Reporting Options for Victims of Domestic Violence Family Advocacy Program
You have options if you are a victim.
Domestic abuse is a serious public health issue. The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to preventing and addressing it in our military families. When domestic abuse does occur, DoD also helps protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
Unfortunately, the actual number of domestic abuse incidents occurring in military families is unknown because some incidents go unreported. There are many reasons victims fail to report. Victims may fear that reporting the abuse will only make things worse for them or they may feel shame for tolerating the abuse for so long. Family members, who are victims, may also fear loss of financial support and military benefits, such as housing, medical benefits, and privileges at the commissary and exchange, provided by their abuser. Other victims may feel trapped in the relationship due to cultural and religious beliefs or the pressure to keep the relationship intact for the sake of the children.
DoD wants to make the reporting decision easier for victims and to give them choices when it comes to seeking help. To further that goal, DoD offers two reporting options for victims of domestic abuse: unrestricted reporting and restricted reporting. These options let victims make the choice that is most comfortable and provides for their safety:
Unrestricted reports can be made by victims who want an official investigation of the abuse. To make an unrestricted report, victims can contact the service member's command, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), or law enforcement and the incident will be fully investigated. The victim will have access to victim advocacy services, medical care, and counseling. An unrestricted report also allows for command participation in supporting and protecting the victim and provides command the option of taking administrative action against the offender.
Restricted reports can be made by victims who do not want to pursue an official investigation but would like to have victim advocacy services, medical care, and counseling. Restricted reports can be made to a FAP victim advocate, clinician or supervisor, or a military health care provider, and allow the victim time to really think about the relationship and to take control over how much information they want to share, with whom, and when. A restricted report also means that law enforcement and command will not be notified of the abuse, and there will be no investigation or administrative action taken against the offender. Reporting to anyone else could jeopardize the victim’s option for a restricted report.
Domestic abuse rarely ends without intervention. Giving victims reporting options allows them to make an informed choice about when and how to get help. Support is always available to victims, regardless of the reporting option they choose.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse and if you would like more information about reporting options, contact your local FAP . You can also find a victim advocate by visiting Military INSTALLATIONS or contacting Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647
From the Battered Women's Justice Project e-news
