Domestic Violence: The First Sergeant’s Perspective Ref: AFI 40-301, AFMAN 31-201 Volume 4

OVERVIEW

• Definitions and Air Force Policy• Possible Domestic Violence Indicators• Rules of Engagement• Referral Agencies

MP 1: Definitions and Policy

Domestic Disturbance

•An incident (physical and/or verbal) in which an outside agency has responded to control and assess the situation

•May or may not involve violence

MP 1 - Definitions and Policy

Domestic AbusePattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse, economic control, or interference with personal liberty.

Domestic Violence An offense under the UCMJ or state law that involves the use, attempted use or threatened use of force or violence against a person or the violation of a lawful order issued for the protection of a person.

MP 1 - Definitions and Policy

Abuse and Violence definition include:•A current or former spouse/intimate partner•A person with whom the abuser shares a child in common•A current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile.

MP 1 - Definitions and Policy

Maltreatment General term encompassing child abuse or neglect and spouse abuse or neglect.

Commander and First Sergeant responsibilities•Reports all suspicions of family maltreatment to the FAP. •Directs suspected active duty AF family maltreatment offenders to FAP for comprehensive assessment and service planning.

Mandatory Reporting for all AF members and civilian employees•AF members and civilian employees (including contract employees) will report all incidents of known or suspected family maltreatment immediately to the FAP.

MP 1 - Definitions and Policy

Commander and First Sergeant responsibilities

•Completes the DoD-mandated FAP training on family maltreatment, including identification and reporting protocols, within 90 days of assuming their positions and at least annually, thereafter.

•Completes Central Registry Board computer-based training annually and participates in the CRB for incidents involving their squadron/unit members.

MP 2 - Indicators

INTIMIDATION – Making someone afraid

ECONOMY – Preventing access to funds

EMOTIONAL -- Making someone feel less than a person

PHYSICAL – Grabbing, pushing, hitting

SEXUAL ABUSE – Forceful against will

COERCION AND THREATS – Threatening environment

ISOLATION – Controlling the who, what, where, when

MALE or FEMALE PRIVILEGE – Master/Mistress of Castle

MP 3- Rules of Engagement

• Plan ahead• Answering the call – Responding• Assessment of the situation• Handling the situation

• Referral • Temporary Separation – No Contact Order• Apprehension

• Follow-up

MP 4 - Referral Agencies

• Family Advocacy• Mental Health - ADAPT• Airman & Family Readiness Center• Legal Office• Other Agencies???

SUMMARY

Definitions and Air Force PolicyDefinitions and Air Force PolicyPossible Indicators of Domestic ViolencePossible Indicators of Domestic ViolenceRules of EngagementRules of EngagementReferral AgenciesReferral Agencies