# Military Family Violence Prevention Act

This bill strengthens protections and support services for military families experiencing domestic violence. It requires the Department of Defense to improve how it identifies, responds to, and prevents domestic violence within military communities, while also ensuring that victims have better access to help and that abusers face appropriate consequences.

The bill affects military service members, their spouses, children, and other family members who may experience domestic violence. It establishes clearer procedures for reporting abuse, requires better training for military personnel on recognizing and responding to domestic violence, and ensures that victims can access counseling, legal assistance, and safe housing options. The legislation also addresses gaps in how the military handles cases of domestic violence, making sure that abusers aren't simply transferred to different bases to avoid accountability and that protective orders are enforced across all military installations.

For military families, this means more resources and support if they're experiencing abuse, including confidential hotlines, counseling services, and help navigating the legal system. The bill also aims to create a culture within the military that takes domestic violence seriously and holds offenders accountable. Additionally, it may help prevent situations where victims feel trapped or unable to leave because they fear losing military housing, healthcare, or other benefits that their family depends on.

Military Family Violence Prevention Act

Sinema, Kyrsten

Military Family Violence Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to take various actions and implement programs related to the prevention of and response to domestic violence and child abuse and neglect among military families. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to <ul> <li>report on current and recommended staffing levels for the Family Advocacy Programs (FAPs) of the Armed Forces at each installation,</li> <li>ensure that appropriate statistical data on incidents report to the FAPs is shared among and across the Armed Forces,</li> <li>establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of various mechanisms to inform families about the FAPs and resiliency training of the Armed Forces during their enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System,</li> <li>report on the results of the study conducted by the Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services that includes information on initial entry points for use by members of military families seeking support for domestic abuse or child abuse and neglect, and</li> <li> modify internal policy related to FAPs to enhance collaboration among the specified DOD programs (e.g., the Defense Suicide Prevention Office).</li> </ul> Each military department must improve the information available to military families on the services available in connection with domestic abuse or child abuse and neglect. Finally, the bill requires the Inspector General of DOD to report on best practices among military installations in prevention and response to domestic abuse and child abuse and neglect among military families.