What is Family Advocacy? This program is a Department of Defense initiative for the prevention, education, intervention and treatment of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, spouse abuse and sexual assault. How does it work? When a suspected case of abuse occurs, it is reported to the Family Advocacy Officer (FAO). It is the responsibility of the FAO to investigate and track all cases. The FAO will try to help people to first become safe by whatever means are required, and then to locate protective and treatment services given by appropriate professionals. The FAO serves as liaison and referral to community agencies. The goal of the program is to provide victims assistance, strengthen families, and keep valuable service members in the Air Force.