DoD introduces new DAVA program Published Jan. 31, 2012 By Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate 2nd Medical Operation Squadron BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- In 2000, the problem of domestic abuse in the military was analyzed and researched by the Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence (DTFDV). DTFDV was commissioned by Congress to analyze the existing services for domestic abuse victims within the military and make policy recommendations to enhance and improve these services. By 2003, the task force was able to provide the Department of Defense with approximately 200 recommendations to improve the response to domestic abuse within the military. Based upon interviews with domestic abuse victims in the military, the task force identified some specific barriers to reporting domestic abuse and accessing services, which included a fear of loss of privacy and the potential impact on a family member's military career. In addition, they recommended the establishment of a DoD-wide victim advocacy program to provide crisis response and safety planning, to build liaisons with command, law enforcement, legal services and other first responders, and to provide ongoing coordinated case management services. To implement DTFDV's recommendations, the DoD issued a directive-type Memorandum on Feb. 17, 2005, establishing the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Program as the 24/7 response program for victims of domestic abuse. If the victim desired the assistance of an advocate, services would be provided immediately in-person or via telephone to victims located on or off military installations. To this end, victim advocates were established across the different services as key personnel who provide non-clinical support, ongoing safety planning, information and essential case coordination to victims of domestic abuse. Duties of the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate include but not limited to: · Provide support to victims of domestic abuse · Provide 24/7 response capability · Establish and maintain current and effective safety plans · Advise victims of the reporting options and the military or civil actions available to promote safety · Offer follow-up Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate services to victims to empower them to advocate for the safety needs for themselves and their children · Accompany the victim to appointments or court proceedings when requested by the victim People who need assistance can contact the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate located in the Family Advocacy Clinic Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 456-6595 or 24/7 at 751-9118. People may also contact the following agencies for assistance: · Security forces 456-2551 · Chaplain 456-2111 · Command post (After Duty Hours) 456-2151 · Mental health 456-6600 · Military One Source 800-342-9647 · www.militaryonesource.com