Family Advocacy Program

The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) team will host informal information sessions on the first Friday of each month beginning in September and running through February! Anyone is welcome to stop by the FAP Office, 7131 Richardson Circle, Building 36, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. to learn about the topic of the month, receive FAP materials and ask questions in a private setting.

March 1:  Victim Advocacy/Reporting Options

April 5:  New Parent Support Program/First Steps: Purple Crying

May 3:  Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth Program

June 7:  Child Supervision Guidelines

August 2:  Community Resources

September 6:  Money & Relationships: How to Make It Work

October 4:  New Parent Support: Safe Sleep

November 1:  Celebrate Military Family Appreciation

December 6:  Holiday Stress Management

For more information, please contact the Family Advocacy Program at +1 (706) 545-3202.

The Army’s Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy Program provides comprehensive assistance and support to victims of domestic abuse, including crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, assistance securing medical treatment, information on legal rights and proceedings, and referrals to military and civilian shelters and other resources available to victims. Child advocacy services are provided to non-offending parent/guardians of children when directed by the FAP or by a judge.

What is a Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA)?  Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVAs) are trained professionals who provide non-clinical advocacy services and support to Soldiers and Family members experiencing domestic abuse. DAVAs are on call 24/7 to provide immediate assistance, safety planning, non-judgmental support, and information on available resources.

What is Domestic Abuse?  Domestic abuse is a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional/psychological harm, economic control, and/or interference with personal liberty. The abuser could be a current or former spouse, someone you share a child with, or a current or former intimate partner you’ve shared a home with. Domestic abuse is a crime. So is violating a protective order. 

Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates can

• Provide crisis intervention and support 24/7/365
• Help file restricted and unrestricted reports
• Talk with you about how safe you are and plan for emergencies
• Give information on temporary financial support and other benefits to victims when the offender is separated from the military
• Coordinate emergency services, including transportation, housing, and food
• Assist in obtaining protective orders
• Accompany you throughout the medical, investigative, and legal processes
• Represent your interests through on-post processes
• Offer information and referral to medical, legal, counseling, and other resources

How to Keep Yourself Safe:  You can take steps to keep yourself and your children safe, and you can prepare to leave an abusive partner. Here are things to consider.

What Should I Do If I Am Thinking About Leaving My Abusive Partner?

1.  Think about the following:
   1. Several places you could go if you leave your home
   2. People who might help you if possible, leave a bag of necessities at their house
   3. Getting a cell phone
   4. Opening a bank account/credit card in your name
   5. How you might leave
   6. How to take your children with you safely
2. Take the following items with you, if possible:
   1. ​​​​​​​Children
   2. Money
   3. Keys to car, house, work
   4. Extra clothes
   5. Medicine
   6. Important papers for you and your children
   7. Birth Certificates
   8. Social security cards
   9. School and medical records
   10. Checkbooks, credit cards
   11. Driver’s license
   12. Car registration
   13. Welfare identification
   14. Passports, green cards, work permits
   15. Lease/rental agreement
   16. Mortgage payment book, unpaid bills
   17. Insurance papers
   18. Military Protective Order (MPO)/Civilian Protective Order (CPO), divorce papers, custody papers
   19. Address book
   20. Pictures, jewelry, sentimental items
   21. Items for your children (toys, blankets, etc.)
3. How Can I Keep Myself Safe At Work?
   1. Keep a copy of your MPO/CPO at work
   2. Give a picture of the abuser to security and friends at work
   3. Tell your supervisors – see if they can make it harder for the abuser to find you
   4. Don’t go to lunch alone
   5. Ask a security guard to walk you to your car or to the bus
   6. If the abuser contacts you at work, save voicemails and e-mails
4. What Can I Do to Keep Myself Safe If I Have Left My Abuser?
   1. Get a cell phone.
   2. Get a MPO/CPO.  Keep a copy with you at all times.  Give a copy to the police, your children’s caregivers, schools, and your boss.
   3. Change the locks.
   4. Install a security system and outside lights.
   5. Change your number to be unlisted.
   6. Use an answering machine/voicemail to screen calls.
   7. Tell friends and neighbors your abuser no longer lives with you.  Ask them to call the police if they see your abuser outside or near your home.
   8. Tell someone at work what has happened.
   9. Try not to use the same stores, banks, or businesses that you did when you were with your abuser.
   10. Find a safe way to speak with your abuser, if necessary.
   11. Take a self-defense course.
   12. Go over your safety plan.

Reporting Options:  The Army is fully committed to ensuring victims of domestic abuse are protected; treated with dignity and respect; and provided support, advocacy and care. The Army strongly supports effective command awareness and prevention programs, and holding offenders accountable.

There are two types of reporting options: Restricted Reporting and Unrestricted Reporting. Personnel should report all suspected cases of domestic abuse promptly, which quickly activates victim services and accountability actions. However, we understand things might not always work that way. Victims might need medical attention or victim services without command or a law enforcement response. Therefore, the Army has implemented a Restricted Reporting Option for victims to confidentially disclose allegations of abuse and receive needed medical treatment and services.

Restricted Reporting:  Allows someone who meets VAP criteria and who is experiencing violence in his/her relationship to confidentially disclose the abuse to a Victim Advocate, a Victim Advocate Supervisor, or a Healthcare Provider. When an individual chooses a restricted report, law enforcement is not involved and there is no investigation of the abuse. In addition, the Soldier’s Command is not notified of the abuse and is unable to offer assistance and protection.

The restricted reporting option allows an individual to receive medical treatment, advocacy services and clinical and pastoral counseling. This option allows one to receive needed services, control the release of his/her personal information, and time to consider his/her options.

Under this reporting option, the offender is not held accountable and the abuse may continue. If an assessment reveals a high risk for future injury, a restricted report may not be granted.

Unrestricted Reporting:  Victims of domestic abuse who want to pursue an official investigation of an incident should report the abuse to law enforcement, or the alleged offender’s Commander. The unrestricted reporting option provides a victim with the widest array of services available including but not limited to command involvement, law enforcement involvement, medical treatment, advocacy services, and counseling services.

Not all incidents of domestic abuse are the same, and each person who experiences domestic abuse handles the situation differently.

Command Response:  Commanders play an integral part in ensuring the safety, health, and well being of our Army Families. Commanders who learn of an incident of domestic abuse are required to notify law enforcement.

Victim’s Rights

• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
• The right to be notified of court proceedings.
• The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that your testimony would be materially affected if you, as the victim, heard other testimony at trial.
• The right to confer with the attorney for the government in the case; the right to available restitution; the right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.

Safety Planning:  A violent relationship puts you and your children at risk for injury and even death. Developing a safety plan tailored to meet the needs of your family will enable you get out of a potentially dangerous situation. If your children are old enough, mature enough, or even responsible enough to assist you during a violent or potentially violent episode of domestic abuse, you may consider including them in your plan to keep everyone safe. A good safety plan considers which steps to take if you choose to stay in the relationship or if you choose to leave.

Here are some tips during the explosive phase of domestic abuse:

• Move to a room with easy access to an exit. Don't go to the kitchen, bathroom or near possible weapons.
• Know the quickest route out of your home. Practice escaping that way.
• Know the quickest route out of your workplace. Practice escaping that way. Domestic violence does not just occur in your home.
• Pack a bag and have it ready. Keep it hidden but make it easy to grab quickly.
• Tell your neighbors about your abuse and ask them to call the police when they hear a disturbance.
• Have a code word to use with your kids, family and friends. They will know to call the police and get you help.
• Know where you are going to go, if you ever have to leave.
• Use your instincts.
• You have the right to protect yourself and your children.

Develop a Safety Plan

• Safety Plan (English)
• Safety Plan (Spanish)- Plan de seguridad (español)

Protection Orders

Military Protection Orders (MPO):  Unit Commanders may issue a Military Protective Order (MPO) to ensure the safety of service members, family members, and other individuals from the threat of domestic violence. An MPO is a written lawful order issued by a commander that orders a Soldier to avoid contact with his or her spouse or children. The commander should provide a written copy of the order within 24 hours of its issuance to the protected person, the Military Police and civilian law enforcement. An individual should report violations of the MPO to law enforcement.

Civilian Protection Orders (CPO):  A Civilian Order of Protection is an order signed by a Judge that directs an individual to stop abusing, stalking, harassing and/or committing acts of sexual violence against an individual. An individual may file a CPO against current or former spouse, someone that an individual shares a child in common, an individual with whom you have shared a residence with, someone related to you by blood or marriage or someone with whom you have dated or had intimate relations.

National Resources

• United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women
• National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
• Stalking Resource Center
• Statewide directory for laws, courts, emergency shelters, orders of protection
• Battered Women's Justice Project
• The Family Violence Prevention Fund
• Women's Justice Center– Also is Spanish
• Mind, Body, Spirit Empowered - Materials translated into many languages
• Marriage and Equality – Materials translated into many languages

Victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have round-the-clock access to services, including emergency assistance, information, referrals, and ongoing support in accessing medical, behavioral health, legal, and law enforcement services on and off garrisons. Victim Advocates will discuss the option of restricted and unrestricted reports.

Domestic Violence Hotlines:  All Army installations have a 24/7 Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy Hotline. 

Click on each event to see the training video.

• FAP present Mike Domitrz video series for Teens on Teen Dating, Violence and Prevention.  Find over 20 videos here.

• Screamfree Parenting: In a time of Crisis

• Sexual Abuse and Considerations for Children and Teens

• Illicit Drug Use By Kids and Teens- Tools for Parents

• Anger Management- Strategies for Parents, Kids and Teens

• Preventing Self-Harming Behaviors and Suicidality

• Practical & Creative Ways to Use the 5 Love Languages

• Connecting the Dots: Animal Abuse

• Military Protective Order (MPO), What You Need to Know!

• Civilian Protective Orders, What You Need to Know!

• Finding Resilience and Hope through Victims Telling Their Stories by Mr. LaVarr McBride

• Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide Presentation

• Domestic Violence: From the Eyes of a Child

• Hope Harbour Provides Emergency Shelter and Crisis Intervention

• Domestic Violence Intervention

• Social Media and the Drug Culture: Keeping Kids Safe Online

• Ethics for Professionals

• 1-2-3 Magic Parenting

  • 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting...watch those 4 seminars!

The Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) provides emergency and follow-up support services to adult victims of domestic abuse. Advocacy services are available to Service members, their current or former spouses, an individual with whom the Service member shares a child, and significant others of Service members who live together. Our services are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Our trained professionals are here for crisis response, information on reporting options, medical treatment options, law enforcement’s response, emergency services, safety planning, obtaining military and civilian protective orders, and accompaniment to medical forensic exams and medical appointments, as well as accompaniment to court for orders of protection hearings and trials. Advocates work closely with their civilian counterparts and ensure a personal and smooth transition for victims who do not qualify for ongoing advocacy services within the military community.

If you need help or want more information, contact the Victim Advocacy Program Manager at your local Army Community Service Center.

What is partner abuse?  Partner abuse is pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse, economic control or interference with personal liberty. Spouse or partner abuse can include something as obvious as a slap or a hit, but also includes less noticeable controlling, threatening or emotionally abusive behaviors. No one should stay in a relationship where he or she is being physically or emotionally abused by a partner or spouse.

I suspect my friend is a victim? What should I do?  Please encourage your friend to seek professional help through the Family Advocacy Program. Do not attempt to resolve the situation by yourself. Domestic violence is a very complex and dangerous issue.

What about my privacy? The military is committed to protecting the victim’s privacy. Depending on the severity of the situation, a victim has a reasonable expectation of confidentiality if he or she first contacts a victim advocate or health care provider at one of the on-post clinics or Martin Army Community Hospital. In cases where there is an obvious danger or imminent threat of harm, or in the case of child abuse, a care provider may have to notify others to ensure the safety of all persons involved. Abuse victims worried about their privacy can call for assistance and remain anonymous until they feel comfortable about their options.

Is there help for the abuser?  Many spouses would like to find help for their abusive partner, and the abuser may welcome it. Marriage or couples counseling is often not a good choice, but there are other very good options, including support groups or counseling designed specifically for abusers.

What is the commander's role? Commanders and other leaders are required to report, to seek help for all parties involved and to help ensure safety to the fullest extent possible. Commanders and the military or local police may document the abuse, arrest the offender, secure a military or civilian no-contact/protective order for the victim, find legal assistance and order the offender into treatment. Although commanders are concerned about the safety of families in their units, they cannot help if they don’t know there is a problem. Out of fear that a report will damage a Soldier’s career, victims may not come forward unless they are provided an option to keep their situation completely private.

How are children affected by domestic abuse?  Children usually know something is not right, even if they haven’t witnessed violence. They may show different reactions according to their age. Most offenders have learned their behavior from growing up in an abusive home of their own. Younger children may blame themselves and feel guilt, shame and anxiety. They may become withdrawn, less talkative, and they may exhibit regressed behaviors such as clinging and whining. Difficulties eating and sleeping, concentration problems and physical complaints (e.g., headaches) may also occur.

Ways to report:

• Restricted – Allows victims the option of receiving medical treatment, advocacy and counseling without an official investigation or command involvement.
• Unrestricted – Victims receive medical treatment, advocacy, counseling and an official investigation of their allegation. This option ensures the widest range of rights and protections to the victim.

Shelters: There is a shelter available in the community for female victims of abuse and their children. Victims who fear the loss of income if a Soldier is arrested or kicked out of the Army may take comfort in knowing that the military has programs that may offer financial support. FAP contracts with the Crisis Center of Russell County, Ala., and Columbus Hope Harbour to provide a Georgia 24-hour hotline +1(800) 334-2836 or Alabama 24hr hotline, +1(800) 650-6522.

If you suspect that a child is being neglected or abused contact..

• Family Advocacy Program Clinical (Treatment) : +1(762) 408-4076
• Department of Family and Children Services in Muscogee County: +1(706)649-7549
• Department of Family and Children Services in Chattahoochee County: +1(706)989-3681
• Provost Marshal Office: +1(706) 545-5222
• MP: 911

• Contact 24 hour hotline: GA +1(800) 334-2836 AL +1(800) 650-6522
• Family Advocacy Program: +1(706) 545-7594 or +1(706) 626-2614
• Family Advocacy Program Clinical Treatment: +1(762) 408-4076
• Chaplain’s Family Life Center: +1(706) 545-1760
• Martin Army Community Hospital Emergency Room: +1(762) 408-2234
• Military Police: 911

Duty Hours: +1(706) 545-7594           After hours: +1(762) 408-2234

Prevention Programs:  Strengthening and stabilizing intimate relationships is one approach to preventing marital distress and abuse. Spouse abuse prevention programs help develop communication, decision making and conflict resolution skills. Strategies may include educational programs and interactive workshops on communication, conflict resolution, assertiveness, stress management and marital enrichment, as well as programs for children who witness violence. Programs for single Soldiers and adolescents teach similar topics such as relationship skills, dating, violence awareness and sexual harassment.

Command Education Program: Within 45 days of taking command, commanders at all levels will receive a briefing on the FAP and Sexual Assault Program. Information will be provided on policies, procedures, available resources, command responsibilities in the areas of identification, reporting, coordination, rehabilitation, and administrative or judicial options.

Troop Education: Mandatory classes are provided annually on the dynamics of spouse and child abuse, the availability of treatment and the Army’s policies regarding family violence.

Education for Professionals:  The FAP provides training to mental health professionals on a variety of topics affecting Families, teens and children.  Visit our Facebook page to learn about on-going trainings.

Safety Education Programs: There are two target groups for safety education. The first target group is composed of parents, teachers, caregivers and all concerned adults who need information about how to protect children and communicate with them about child abuse. The second target group, children and teens, need programs and activities geared to their ability to understand and act on safety and exploitation issues including child abuse. Education programs should help children develop skills to protect themselves against abuse. These programs may include other community efforts such as finger printing and neighborhood safe house programs.

Family Life Education:  This is education focusing on enrichment programs that provide knowledge, social relationship skills and support throughout the family life cycle. The goal is to improve life management and family coping skills, enhance self-esteem, and improve communication skills and marital relationships. Family life education overlaps with spouse and child abuse prevention programming and is often shared with the chapel and other installation agencies.

Parent Education Program: This program involves education that is designed to enhance parenting and child management skills. Parent education and support groups may be combined to provide a forum for parents to exchange ideas, information and resources and to practice new behaviors. The program also may reinforce or teach basic skills in physical care, protection, supervision and psychological nurturing appropriate to a child’s age and stage of development.

Respite care is temporary child care for the purpose of relieving parental stress and to provide a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment. Families may receive respite care when both Soldier and spouse attend parenting classes, counseling, support groups, or are experiencing stress from deployment related or family issues. Respite care will not be used in place of foster care or abandoned children.

A primary prevention program that provides emotional support, parenting education, referrals to community resources, and follow-up contact to parents with newborns. The program activities include screenings, information and referral, clinic and hospital visits, respite support and other services as needed.

The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a program offered to Army Families to enhance parent and infant attachment, increase knowledge of child development, and provide connections to support services that allow parents to become nurturing and capable caregivers.

The NPSP staff consists of registered nurses and a licensed social worker who provide in-home parenting education, support, and resource linkage. NPSP targets all Families with children 3 years of age and younger.  Program entry may occur by self-referral, referral by a health professional, or by the Command. The program activities include risk assessments, home visits, provision of health and child development services, clinic and hospital visits, respite support, parenting classes and other concrete services as needed.

 You don’t have to be a new parent to participate. Expectant parents are eligible for NPSP services.

What can NPSP do for me?

• Home visits--Our professional staff provides supportive and caring services to military Families that are pregnant, or with children through the age of three years. They can talk about your concerns as a parent or parent-to-be, and help you learn to cope with stress, isolation, post deployment reunions, and the everyday demands of parenthood in the privacy of your home. Home visits are provided by appointment and can take place in the home, the NPSP offices (Bldg.2652) or at another mutually agreed upon site.  To schedule a home visit, call (706) 545-6316

• Nurturing Parenting Education— An evidenced based program that fosters positive parenting skills with nurturing behaviors and teaches appropriate role and development expectations. Classes are offered one-on- one, couples, or family and can be scheduled in home or as an office visit.  For more information call +1 (706) 545-6316.

• Nurturing Parenting for Prenatal Families Classes-- Get your pregnancy off to a good start when you learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, proper nutrition and rest.  We discuss what occurs during prenatal visits and the reason for various diagnostic tests.  For class schedule, call +1 (706) 545-6316.

• Breastfeeding and Lactation Support – We have Certified Lactation Counselors to provide up to date researched information on lactation and breastfeeding education and counseling.  For lactation education and assistance call +1 (706) 545-9857.

• Play and Learn Playgroups- An interactive playgroup for children ages birth to three years that assist parents in learning developmentally appropriate play techniques and to help children improve their social, cognitive, and motor skills. Structured activities include singing and dancing, story time, a craft project, and free play time. Playgroups occur on the third Thursday of each month at Building 2652 on Colonel Ralph Puckett Parkway.  For questions, call +1 (706) 545-6316.   

Supervision of children per MCoE Regulation 210-5 – found on page 4 at MCoE Reg 210-5.pdf (army.mil)

• Unattended/Home alone:
  • 0-8 years: must not be left unattended inside quarters or alone in a vehicle.
  • 9-12 years: may be left unattended or home alone for brief (no more than 2 hours) periods of time.
  •  13-17 years: may be left unattended or home alone up to 12 hours.
• Outside Play:
  • 4-8 years: may play outside within immediate access and sight of a supervising adult who knows the child’s location.
  •  9-12 years: may play outside unattended within access of a supervising adult who knows the child’s general location.
• School Travel:
  • Parents will take reasonable measures to supervise and safeguard children walking to and from school and awaiting school busses.
  •  Generally, children below second grade should be attended while walking to and from school or awaiting a school bus.
• Babysitting:
  • A child 13 years of age and older
    • at an adequate level of maturity
    • Parents may authorize to serve as babysitter for may serve as a babysitter for up to 12 hours
  •  A child younger than 13 years of age
    • Exhibits strong maturity skills
    • Must participate in installation sponsored course on babysitting
    • Parents may authorize to serve as babysitter for reasonable periods of time
• The level of supervision required in a given case may vary depending on such factors as maturity of the special needs of the child.

Child Safety Tips:

• Things to memorize: Full name, address, telephone number
• Post a list of numbers to call in case of emergency
• Let trusted neighbors that your child may be home alone
• Call the child several times while you are away
• Tell children not to go into other people’s homes without your permission
• Designate a safe house to run to if the child feels like he/she is in danger
• Teach children basic home safety (lock doors and windows, kitchen safety, etc)
• Remove or safety store in locked areas dangerous items like guns, knives, hand tools, razor blades, pesticides, and other objects that can cause injury
• Make sure medicine is kept in a locked storage place or out of reach of children