The San Diego County Domestic Violence Hotline is
888-DV-LINKS
(385-4657)
National Domestic Violence Hotline is
(800)
799-7233
Designed to prevent violence in the home, the Family
Advocacy Program provides
counseling, education and prevention services.
Responding to Domestic Violence:
Where Federal
Employees Can Find Help
For helpful advice on using the Internet, click here.
If you are in
immediate danger, call the Police (911)
Click for 2008 Class Schedule
Family Advocacy is a program designed to assist families experiencing the
trauma of abuse. Counselors are trained in the dynamics of abuse in
order to assist in protecting victims, as well as seeking ways to support
families in need of assistance.
There
are many negative consequences that affect families experiencing abuse.
Support resources include information on spouse
and child abuse, victim advocacy, counseling for individuals, couples and
children, as well as classes on stress and anger management, domestic
violence, communication and conflict skills (Fair Fighting) successful
parenting and financial management.
We encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek help immediately. Research
shows that the earlier help occurs the sooner families can make positive
changes. Research also proves that without assistance, abuse problems persist
and become more unbearable over time.
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
What is spouse or child abuse?
Physical injury that involves behavior such as hitting, kicking, slapping,
punching, choking, and shaking. Sexual abuse that involves the use of force,
threats or intimidation by the offender to engage in sexual activity.
Emotional harm such as threats of violence that causes undue fear or
anxiety, and disparaging remarks that lowers self-esteem and damages
emotional well-being.
What causes spouse and child abuse?
Abuse usually occurs around the need to control. There is a belief that one
has the right to keep family members "in line". Family violence is often a
learned behavior from childhood. Family violence is NOT caused by such
factors as stress, anger, job pressures, personal problems, or behavior by
the victim. Offenders typically use these problems to justify or excuse
their abusive behavior.
Where can I get help?
Marine Corps Community Services Family Advocacy Program, Tim Stanton, Family
Advocacy Program Manager, (858) 577-6585.
What can I do if I need help and can't get to the Family Advocacy Office?
Family Advocacy Programs include Victim Advocacy. An Advocate is on call 24
hours a day to provide crisis intervention and referral to community
resources. An Advocate will respond to victims of spousal abuse, child abuse
and victims of sexual assault. An Advocate may accompany you to medical
examinations and/or court proceedings, if needed. An Advocate can help to
arrange lodging at a Battered Person's Shelter or Safe House.
Will my spouse get into trouble if I seek help?
This depends on the level of abuse. If there are injuries then the offender
has broken the law and needs to be accountable for their behavior towards
you or the children. The Marine Corps deals with abuse in two ways, if there
is no injury or prior case and your spouse is willing to take responsibility
for his or her actions and is amenable to treatment there will be no formal
case and you and your spouse will be offered a treatment program that fits
your needs. If there are injuries or a prior case then your spouse will be
mandated by his command to get help. Victims of abuse must be protected.
What are the rules of confidentiality?
If spouse or child abuse occurs, a commander must be told in order to make
sure that family members receive the care and protection they need and
deserve. It is true that, in the beginning, spouses may resent being told
they have to get help, but when they experience the positive results that
occur in the family from the treatment program, there is an attitude change
in a majority of the spouses for the better. Nothing you share with the
counselor will be shared with your spouse unless you give permission.
What are the limitations regarding amount and types of counseling
received?
Family Advocacy counselors assess safety first to determine what available
services are most appropriate for the offender. Once it has been determined
that risk for abuse has been lowered most couples go to individual and
couples counseling, as well as participating in support groups. The average
length of time generally lasts for three to six months.
What types of certification do the counselors hold?
All Family Advocacy counselors are required to have, at a minimum, a Masters
Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling or Social Work and possess a
certified state license.
How long does it take to complete the counseling treatment process?
It depends on the severity of the abuse, but most complete their
counseling within six months.
Will my children experience long-term complications related to abusive
behavior?
Research indicates that without some form of intervention, such as
counseling, long-term complications are most likely to occur, such as
nightmares, poor school performance and low self-esteem.
What are some early warning signs to look out for?
l Abuse
during courtship
l Alcohol or drug abuse
l Background of family violence
l Minimizing effects of violence
l Denial there is a problem
l Difficulty handling frustration
l Extreme jealousy
l Mental abuse
l The need to control
l Sexual abuse
l Threats of violence
l Verbal abuse
Has this happened to you?
l Are you
afraid of doing the "wrong" thing, even if you're not sure what that is?
l Does your partner watch your every move?
l Does your partner refuse to help when you're sick, injured or pregnant?
l Does he or she "put you down" at home or in front of others?
l Do you avoid discussing some subjects because you're afraid your partner's
reaction will be violent?
l Does your partner limit your friendships and where you can go?
l Has he or she injured you physically, no matter how slightly?
l Do you live in fear for yourself or your children?
l Does your partner accuse you of being unfaithful, or being crazy, or being
worthless?
l Do you feel sexually ashamed or humiliated? Are you being sexually hurt?
All of these actions are abusive and indicate
that help and support are needed. It is never too soon, or too late, to
seek help for yourself and your family.
Responding to
Domestic Violence: Where Federal Employees Can Find Help
Family Violence: Information you should know. Click here.
For helpful advice on using the Internet, click here.
National Child Abuse Prevention Information.
