The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides victim advocacy, clinical assessment, treatment and services for service members, their intimate partners, and family members involved in allegations of domestic abuse and child abuse. Through its Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) program, FAP also providers targeted clinical assessment and supportive services to children and parents affected by sexual behaviors initiated by children.
The goal of the Family Advocacy Program is to promote healthy family dynamics and prevent all forms of family maltreatment. It achieves this by encouraging people to examine their own behavior and take steps to learn and practice healthier behaviors, addressing issues ranging from domestic violence to problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth. The FAP provides a variety of interventions and treatment services to meet the needs of individuals and families. It provides counseling, clinical case management, treatment groups, and refers families to military and civilian resources as appropriate.
When abuse does occur, the FAP works to ensure the safety of victims and helps military families overcome the effects of violence and change destructive behavior patterns. FAP staff members are trained to respond to incidents of abuse and neglect, support victims, and offer prevention and treatment. Professional clinical services include licensed counselors and credential FAP victim advocates, who are available free of charge at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSCs). These are available to active duty and their family members – even Sailors who are unmarried can have couple’s counseling with their partners.
A variety of courses that teach healthy relationship skills are also available at FFSCs. These include anger management and conflict resolution. These are also free and available to both active duty and spouses.
Victims must have access to protection, care and support. Interventions are needed to ensure safety. Services are available for victims including assisting with protection orders, accompaniment to court, and safety planning. Support is also available to non-abusing care givers in child abuse cases. parents in child abuse cases.
If you think you may be a victim of domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit your installation Fleet and Family Support Center for information on available resource. Learn more about the FAP Resources & Training available.
Updated 7 April 2026