Courtesy Photo | CA, UNITED STATES 10.15.2020 Photo by 1st Lt. Charlotte Dennis Marine Corps Base...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, NC -
By Donna Johnson
Army Community Services
It can be difficult to decide whether or not to report domestic abuse. When a victim experiences abuse in a relationship, it is normal for them to feel alone, afraid, and unsure about asking for help.
Angielina Wilson, Family Advocacy Victim Advocate supervisor said “Knowledge is power. Knowing your reporting options for domestic abuse can help you decide what to do next.”
“With a restricted report, military law enforcement and command will not be notified,” Wilson said.
Three groups of professionals have been granted the authority to keep information about domestic abuse confidential under the restricted reporting option.
Those include the Family Advocacy Program victim advocates, Family Advocacy clinicians at Womack Army Medical Center, and your health care providers. In simple terms, making a restricted report means that law enforcement is not notified and command is not involved.
Wilson adds it is critical that individuals are aware they have access to the full range of Family Advocacy services, including medical care, counseling, and support from a victim advocate.
The advocates will work with victims to develop a safety plan and identify next steps, including pursuing options outside the military system.
“Because victim safety is a priority, if you or another person is in immediate risk of serious harm, you cannot use the restricted reporting option,” Wilson said. “The restricted reporting option does not apply to child abuse cases, which are required by law to be reported to law enforcement and child protective services.”
Victims are entitled to the protections of privileged communication with a chaplain. However, disclosing domestic abuse to a chaplain is not a report and will not connect victims to available services.
With an unrestricted report, a victim of domestic abuse or any concerned person may officially notify designated professionals such as the chain of command, Family Advocacy, or military law enforcement, of an incident of abuse.
Wilson said making an unrestricted report means law enforcement will conduct an investigation of the incident, which will include contacting the alleged offender.
“In the case of an active-duty Soldier, Command will be notified and may take administrative action against the alleged offender,” she said. “Unrestricted reporting means you also have access to support and protection from Command, to include No Contact Orders or a Military Protective Order.”
Similar to the restricted reporting, victims have access to the full range of Family Advocacy services, including medical care, counseling, and support from a victim advocate who will work with them to develop a safety plan and identify next steps.
“You have access to legal services as well as the ability to apply for transitional compensation, if that applies to your case,” Wilson said.
If a victim is concerned about a spouse or partner discovering they are seeking help for abuse, they should contact a FAP victim advocate or health care provider. They can help victims consider if, when, or how to make an unrestricted report and assist in accessing additional services.
Wilson adds individuals have the option to seek help outside of the military, where stricter confidentiality rules may apply pursuant to federal, state, and local laws and policies.
Shelters and agencies in this area can help you consider your options. Contact the Family Advocacy Program, where a victim advocate can connect you to civilian, community-based resources or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
If you are in immediate danger call 911. If you are on a military installation, call your military law enforcement office.
For Fort Bragg call the 24/7 Family Abuse Hotline at (910) 322-3418.
- Paraglide -
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2021 14:14 |
| Story ID: | 408133 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 199 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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