Reporting options available to abused Published Nov. 20, 2012 By Matt Nicoli Family Advocacy Program HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- There are many reasons someone stays in an abusive relationship, with fear for safety and lack of resources being two of the most common reasons. To address these two issues, the Department of Defense has established options and support processes to mitigate the chances someone who needs help does not go without it. The first is restricted reporting that allows someone to report an incident of abuse without making notifications, such as to the command, security forces or the Office of Special Investigations. The second is transitional compensation, which provides victims of maltreatment cases financial support if their active duty partner has been separated from the military due, at least in part to, a dependent abuse case. Restricted Reporting option - When an adult victim elects restricted reporting and discloses an abuse allegation to a victim advocate, Family Advocacy Program staff, medical provider or medical provider, they may not disclose the domestic abuse allegation to either the victim's or alleged offender's commander or to law enforcement within or outside the Department of Defense, except as provided in the exceptions to this restricted reporting policy. - This exception does not apply to child cases. - The victim must acknowledge, in writing, the preference for a restricted report, or when a restricted report turns unrestricted (See Standard M.4.2.1.). The Air Force will use the "victim reporting preference statement" form and it will be placed in the maltreatment restricted reporting record. - Restricted reporting records are not transferable from one base to another. Transitional Compensation Program - Statutory and Regulatory Basis: 10 U.S.C. §1059, DODI 1342.24, AFPD 36-30, AFI 36-3024 - DoD policy is to provide monthly transitional compensation payments to the dependents of members who are separated from the military for dependent abuse. - Eligibility: Must be the dependent of an armed forces member who has been on active duty for more than 30 days and has been convicted of a dependant abuse offense resulting in a punitive separation or forfeiture of all pay and allowances, or administratively separated with a dependent abuse offense as a basis. - Amount: Varies in accordance with the current rate in effect for dependency and indemnity compensation, under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1311(a) or U.S.C 1313. - Duration: From 12 to 36 months. Greater of 12 months or unserved period of active duty, up to 36 months. Family Advocacy is responsible for preventing and treating family violence within Air Force families. The goal is to provide families with the services and programs that will allow them to be mission ready and world-wide deployable at a moment's notice. For more questions, visit the Hanscom Family Advocacy Program at Building 1217 or call 781-225-6385.