Domestic Violence in the Military

There are three groups of professionals who have been granted the authority to keep information about domestic abuse confidential under the “restricted” reporting option. They are victim advocates, Family Advocacy Program (FAP) clinicians, and medical professionals.¹ However, even those three groups of professionals must report the abuse to military law enforcement and command if they believe that it is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and immediate threat to your health or safety, or that of another person.¹

You are also able to have privileged, confidential communications with a chaplain.

Making a restricted report to the FAP will still allow you to access victim advocacy services, such as safety planning, as well as medical treatment, without launching a criminal investigation or notifying command.

Reporting the incident to persons other than those mentioned above may result in a report being “unrestricted,” meaning that it will not be kept confidential. An FAP advocate can help you consider if, when, and how to make an unrestricted report and assist you in accessing additional services.

With an unrestricted report, you or any concerned person may notify command, the FAP, or military law enforcement about the abuse. Upon this report, an official command or criminal investigation of the abuse will start, and you and any other victims will have access to medical and clinical services.

You may also decide to seek help outside of the military, where different confidentiality rules may apply. Shelters and domestic violence agencies in your area can help you think through your options. To find help in your area, go to our Advocates and Shelters page and enter your state in the drop-down menu. Shelters near military installations are typically familiar with military and civilian policies and practices and can also help you access an FAP victim advocate if you decide to do so.

¹ Department of Defense Instruction, Number 6400.06