Domestic Abuse, also called domestic violence or intimate partner violence, refers to incidents or patterns of controlling, coercive, threatening, violent, or abusive behavior. It occurs between individuals who are or have been intimate partners or family members.
Forms of abuse can include but are not limited to:
- Psychological/Emotional
- Neglect
- Physical
Sexual Key policies and agencies include:
- DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6400.01 and 6400.06 - Domestic Abuse Involving Department of War (DoW) Military and Certain Affiliated Personnel (establishes definitions, reporting, and intervention requirements).
- DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6400.07 - Standards of victim assistance services in the military community.
- Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - Provides legal authority to address acts of violence, threats, or misconduct.
- Victim Legal Counsel Program (VLCP) - The Navy Victims’ Legal Counsel Program provides victims of a sexual offense or domestic violence with a dedicated attorney to help victims understand the investigation and military justice process ...
- Family Advocacy Program (FAP) - The DoW program responsible for prevention, identification, reporting, and treatment of domestic abuse and child abuse.
- Family Advocacy Program Victim Advocate (FAP VA)- responsible for providing safety assessment and safety planning to victims of domestic violence and non-abusing caregivers.
For more information about the Family Advocacy Program, click HERE.
Updated 7 April 2026