The Family Advocacy Program is a congressionally mandated program
to prevent and reduce the incidence of family violence. What may seem
to be low levels of abuse (chronic yelling, anger outbursts, pushing and
shoving, and demeaning behavior) can quickly escalate to life threatening
situations. While some people maintain that what happens behind the
closed doors of a family is their personal business, Coast Guard policy mandates
that where there is abuse, it MUST be reported.
The Family Advocacy
Specialist (FAS) assists families and commands by ensuring that appropriate
safety measures are put in place and the best possible available services are
utilized to resolve the family's issues. This is a non-punitive program designed
to keep our families safe. The intent is not to put people out of the
military; it is to retain them and to improve family
relationships. There have been numerous situations that have been
successfully resolved due to the involvement of the FAS with the support of the
command.
Abuse is everyone's concern. If you have
these problems with spouse or child abuse or know of someone who has them,
contact the member's servicing Work-Life Family Advocacy Specialist at
1-800-872-4957