FAQ'S ON DOMESTIC ABUSE

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DoD Restriced Reporting Brochure

WILL MY SPOUSE GET IN TROUBLE IF I SEEK HELP?

No, not if you seek help before the abuse gets serious.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?

The Marine Corps defines Domestic Abuse “as (1) domestic violence or (2) a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional/psychological abuse, economic control, and/or interference with personal liberty when such violence or abuse is directed toward a person of the opposite sex who is: (a) A current or former spouse; (b) A person with whom the abuser shares a child in common; or (c) A current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile.”

WHAT IS CHILD MALTREATMENT?

The Marine Corps defines Child Maltreatment as the physical or sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian, foster parent, or by a caregiver, whether the caregiver is intra-familial or extra-familial, under circumstances indicating that the child's welfare is harmed or threatened. Such acts by a sibling, other family member, or other person shall be deemed to be child maltreatment only when the individual is providing care under express or implied agreement with the parent, guardian, or foster parent.

WHAT CAUSES DOMESTIC AND CHILD ABUSE?

Abuse usually occurs around the need to control. There is a belief that one has the right to keep family members "in line". Family violence is often a learned behavior from childhood. Family violence is NOT caused by such factors as stress, anger, job pressures, personal problems, or behavior by the victim. Offenders typically use these problems to justify or excuse their abusive behavior.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I NEED HELP AND CAN'T GET TO THE FAMILY ADVOCACY OFFICE?

Some services are available via telephone and a Victim Advocate can arrange to meet with you off base to ensure safety. Victim Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF CONFIDENTIALITY?

Family Advocacy counselors are mandated to report any of the following information:

• Alleged Child Abuse
• Concerns about Suicide or Homicide
• Drug Use and/or Alcohol Abuse
• Domestic Abuse may qualify for the restricted reporting

WHAT ARE MY REPORTING OPTIONS?

Victims of domestic abuse incidents now have two reporting options: unrestricted reporting and restricted reporting. Restricted Reporting allows for an adult victim of Domestic Abuse to disclose the details of his or her abuse to specifically identified individuals and received treatment and advocacy services without requiring that notice be provided to the alleged offender’s command or law enforcement. There are restrictions to Restricted Reporting. For more information, call the Victim Advocate.

WHAT TYPES OF COUNSELING DOES FAMILY ADVOCACY PROVIDE?

Danger assessment and safety planning for the victim are usually the first form of help. Rehabilitation and education for the offender as well as counseling is then provided. Family Advocacy counselors then assess the stability of the relationship to determine what continuing services are most appropriate for the family. Once it has been determined that risk for abuse has been lowered, most couples go to individual and couples counseling.

WHAT TYPES OF CERTIFICATION DO THE COUNSELORS HOLD?

All Family Advocacy counselors are required to have, at a minimum, a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling or Social Work and possess a certified state license. The counselors are also credentialed and privileged by the Marine Corps.

WILL MY CHILDREN EXPERIENCE LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR?

Research indicates that without some form of intervention, the long-term consequences for children can be nightmares, feeling of insecurity, feeling unsafe, poor school performance and low self-esteem. They are also more likely to be abusive or become victims of abuse.

WHAT ARE SOME EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR TO LOOK OUT FOR?

• Abuse during courtship
• Denial there is a problem
• Mental abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• The need to control
• Background of family violence
• Frustration
• Sexual abuse
• Minimizing effects of violence
• Extreme jealousy
• Threats of violence

HAS THIS HAPPENED TO YOU?

All of these actions are abusive and indicate that help and support are needed. It is never too soon, or too late, to seek help for yourself and your family.

• Are you afraid of doing the "wrong" thing, even if you're not sure what that is?
• Do you live in fear for yourself or your children?
• Does your partner watch your every move?
• Does your partner accuse you of being unfaithful, or being crazy, or being worthless?
• Does your partner refuse to help when you're sick, injured or pregnant?
• Do you feel sexually ashamed or humiliated, or are you being sexually hurt?
• Does he or she "put you down" at home or in front of others?
• Do you avoid discussing some subjects because you're afraid your partner's reaction will be violent?
• Minimizing effects of violence
• Does your partner limit your friendships and where you can go?
• Extreme jealousy
• Has he or she injured you physically, no matter how slightly?
• Threats of violence