Domestic Abuse Survivor Support

Am I experiencing domestic violence or abuse? What are the warning signs?

Domestic Violence Warning Signs
Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, is a public health problem that affects millions of Americans. Intimate partner violence can occur between spouses or a dating partner. It occurs among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy. Some of the warning signs of domestic violence or abuse include when a partner:

- Makes embarrassing put-downs in public or private
- Acts or looks at partner in an intimidating way to instill fear
- Isolates their partner from friends or family
- States they will take children away
- Independently makes all relationship decisions (finances, relocation, etc.)
- Threatens the use of weapons or makes threats while holding a weapon
- Shoves, slaps, choses or hits their partner
- Threatens to kill themselves or their partner
Financial abuse may occur in relationships with domestic violence. What is financial abuse?

Financial Abuse Warning Signs

Financial abuse happens when an abuser takes control of finances to prevent the other person from leaving and to maintain power in a relationship. An abuser may take control of all the money, withhold it, and conceal financial information from the victim. Financial abuse happens often in physically abusive relationships. Common signs of financial abuse include:

- Urging or forcing a partner to quit a job

- Restricting a partner's access to bank accounts

- Providing a partner a set allowance and no other access to money

- Making financial decisions independently, without discussion

- Forcing partners to open lines of credit

- Selling a partner's properly without their knowledge or consent
Who can I discuss domestic violence with and have 100% confidentiality?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Highly-trained, expert advocates offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.

365/24/7 you may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by:

- Texting START to 88788

- Calling 800-799-SAFE (7233)

- Clicking here to visit the Domestic Violence Support | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
Who can I discuss domestic violence with face to face?

If you'd like to meet to speak with someone, you have many options to choose from.

- Installation Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates provide 365/24/7 comprehensive assistance and support to spouse or unmarried intimate partner victims of domestic abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), including crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance in securing medical treatment for injuries, information on legal services and proceedings, and referral to military and civilian shelters and other resources available to victims. Visit Military One Source to search for a local Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate by installation name.

- Base Chaplains discuss and provide spiritual support for those in crisis situations.

- Air Force leaders, commanders and first sergeants help enforce our zero-tolerance Domestic Violence policy.

Upon request, all of these personnel have the ability to give couples in crisis time apart by arranging for no or low-cost temporary lodging facilities. Safe alternatives for survivors and families are readily available. Help is a phone call away.
Where do I get financial help when leaving an abusive relationship?

Victims of abuse may feel isolated and discouraged. For military families, isolation may feel more intense when living far from extended family and close friends.

If you’ve bravely decided to leave an abusive relationship, transitional compensation is a financial benefit that can help you move and get on your feet. Click here to learn about transitional compensation.
How do I work through relationship stressors to prevent domestic violence?

Our website has guides for medical and mental health challenges like deployment, PTSD and suicidal behaviors, alcohol or drug abuse, as well as personal guides on financial pressure and special family needs. Click here to visit our Tools & Guidance page to build the skills needed to sustain a healthy, loving relationship.
Is there Domestic Abuse assistance specifically for DoD Civilians?

Please click here to visit the Air Force Employee Assistance Program's website. They offer advocacy and advisory services for domestic violence and many other life stressors.
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DAF FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM OFFICE - HERE TO HELP

Every DAF installation has a Family Advocacy Program (FAP) office. The FAP offers numerous support services to help prevent, address, and resolve relationship stressors:

Development of healthy relationships
New parent support
Preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect
Preventing domestic abuse and assisting survivors
Preventing and responding to problematic child/youth sexual behavior
Family finances and budget development
and much, much more

Please visit MILITARY ONESOURCE to learn more and locate your installation FAP office.

Military Crisis Line

Military OneSource

DOD Safe Helpline

If you're looking for answers or information, we are here to help. Please see our FAQ below.

DAF FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM OFFICE - HERE TO HELP