Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy Program
Standing Against Abuse Together
About DAVAP
The Army’s Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy Program (DAVAP) lies within the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) and is a required prevention program established in 2004. It provides comprehensive assistance and support to victims of domestic abuse, including crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, assistance securing medical treatment, information on legal rights and proceedings, and referrals to military and civilian shelters and other resources available to victims. Child advocacy services are provided to non-offending parent/guardians of children when directed by the FAP or by a judge.
What is a Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA)?
Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVA) are trained professionals who provide non-clinical advocacy services and support to Soldiers and Family members experiencing domestic abuse. Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide immediate assistance, safety planning, non-judgmental support, and information on available resources.
Domestic Violence and the Army’s Commitment
The Army pledges its enduring commitment to Soldiers and Family members, recognizing their health and well-being as paramount to sustaining mission readiness and committed to providing Family members with a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive. Domestic Abuse undermines the Army’s promise and negatively impacts Family Readiness. The DAVAP services are integral to the Army’s efforts to uphold its commitment to provide Soldiers and Family members with support and resources during their time of need.
Victim Advocacy Resources
Am I Being Abused?
Does your partner control what you do, who you see, where you go, or isolate you? Act or look at you in ways that scare you?Read more to find out if you may be experiencing domestic abuse.
How Can I Stay Safe?
Find out what you can do if you are being threatened or attacked. Learn basic safety measures you can take if you are in an abuse relationship.What Are My Reporting Options?
If you are experiencing abuse, you are encouraged to report the incident to a Victim Advocate to access the full range of supportive services. DA Reporting Options Card (PowerPoint)What If I’m Thinking About Leaving?
Learn steps that you should take to prepare for leaving your partner. Read about how to keep safe at work.Find out what you can do to keep yourself safe after you've left.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence: An offense under the United States Code, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or State law involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against a person, which is:
(1) A current or former spouse.
(2) A person with whom the abuser shares a child in common.
(3) A current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile. Sharing a common domicile is defined as signing a lease together or living in the same residence for at least 30 days (Army housing standard)
(1) A current or former spouse.
(2) A person with whom the abuser shares a child in common.
(3) A current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile. Sharing a common domicile is defined as signing a lease together or living in the same residence for at least 30 days (Army housing standard)
A Victim Advocate can provide you with:
- 24/7 Crisis Intervention and Support
- Non-clinical Lethality Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
- Information on reporting options
- Coordination of emergency services; transportation, housing, food, etc.
- Information on the Transitional Compensation Program
- Assistance in obtaining military and civilian protective orders
- Accompaniment through the medical, investigative and legal processes
- Representation of victims’ interests at Family Advocacy Case Review Committee meetings
- Information and referral
Domestic Abuse Resources
Explore the links below to learn more about about available resources to combat domestic abuse:
Last modified: December 19, 2017 - 3:24 pm UTC
