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An Online Resource Library on Gender-Based Violence.

What can be done

Not all domestic violence assaults, murders or other violent incidents are related to military service and not all of these offenses can be attributed to PTSD or TBI. “Rather, we must strive to understand how domestic violence, PTSD and TBI can be distinguished and how to craft interventions that prevent further violence and loss of life” (Tucker, 2009). To date, there are a number of initiatives taking place at the national level aimed at addressing these complex situations.

The Department of Defense is headed by a civilian, the Secretary of Defense, appointed by the President of the United States. Under the Secretary of Defense, there are three military departments: The Department of the Army, The Department of the Air Force and the Department of the Navy, which encompasses the Navy and Marine Corps. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) in the Office of the Secretary of Defense provides the Services with policy guidance and funding for execution of the FAP. Implementation of FAP differs among the services. In the Air Force and Army, FAP is a clinical service under medical and/or behavioral health and may operate out of a hospital or clinic. Navy and Marine Corps offer FAP services as a part of their family support and services programs; FAP staff are typically based in the family services center. In addition, specific FAP services may vary by Service as well as by installation.

Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates provide comprehensive services and support to victims of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence e, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and assistance in securing medical treatment for injuries, information on legal rights and proceedings, and referral to military and civilian shelters and other resources available to victims. Victim Advocacy services are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to active duty members and their families. Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates are also available to assist with questions regarding reporting options, transitional compensation and other relevant options.

The Department of Defense has comprehensive Victim and Witness Assistance Programs (VWAP) in order to enhance and protect the rights of victims of crimes committed within the military setting. (VWAPs are in addition to specialized assistance for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.) The VWAP is designed to ensure victims and witnesses of crime are afforded their rights throughout the criminal process – from initial contact with investigators through adjudication and any period of confinement. VWAPs assist victims with exercising their federally mandated rights and with navigating the criminal justice system. VWAPs also provide information on services and resources, and they interact with lawyers and commanders. VWAPs help ensure the victim’s situation is respected. VWAPs help ensure that the victims are treated with respect, have a voice in the process, and are kept informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution.

DoD Family Advocacy Program
The DOD Family Advocacy Program is dedicated to the prevention, education, early identification and prompt reporting, investigation, intervention and treatment of spouse and child abuse. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides a variety of services to active duty military personnel and families to enhance their relationship skills, strengthen family functioning, competency and self sufficiency to improve their quality of life. This mission is accomplished through a variety of life skills seminars and workshops, counseling and other intervention services.

Victim Advocate Guide: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Combat Experience

Most people returning from war zones will have stress reactions and will need to readjust to being home. It's important that advocates understand these stress reactions and their relationship to IPV in order to provide effective information and referrals to victims whose partners have been exposed to the trauma of combat and are exhibiting violent or abusive behavior. This guide provides information that will assist advocates with these complex issues.

Domestic Violence, PTSD and Brain Injury: Military and Civilian Challenges

This two-part article written by the director of the NCDSV explores the military and civilian challenges presented by domestic violence and behavior that is more often associated with PTSD or TBI, whether attributable to experiences in a military setting or some other influence, such as being a victim of child abuse or sexual assault or from brain injury impacting the impulse control of the sufferer. The author offers recommendations for lawyers and judges as well as resources for intervention with the offender and support for the victims.

The Military Power and Control Wheel

The wheel describes abusive tactics that batterers use to control their victims, focusing on how they may be experienced within the context of a relationship rooted in the military. Specific tactics are described in the wheel, including "Claiming Military/ Male Privilege."

Maze Map

This PowerPoint presentation highlights the processes domestic violence victims may encounter when involved with child protection, civil/criminal justice systems, and military responses to domestic violence when it applies to active duty military personnel. 

PTSD, TBI and DV: True or False?

This article offers tips to determine when domestic violence is occurring in cases in which the perpetrator is a war veteran suffering from PTSD and/or TBI. Specific guidelines are provided to make such determination while avoiding justifications based on the perpetrator's acquired disability.

Support for Veterans with Brain Injuries

Through training and outreach, the Association encourages collaboration within the network of TBI service providers, veterans' organizations, and the community. This page also includes a film and other useful resources on this topic. This webpage is a resource for providers and families as they seek to understand the symptoms of, and treatment for, TBI.