Physical Abuse Guide | Military OneSource

Overview

Relationships can be challenging, especially with the added stress of military life. No relationship is perfect, but it’s important to recognize the warning signs of abuse, which don’t always appear overnight.

Each person’s situation is different, but help is available. The Family Advocacy Program supports active-duty service members, their spouses, partners and families. Its mission is to prevent adult-initiated abuse, ensure victim safety and provide treatment for those impacted by abuse through advocacy, counseling and educational services that promote healthy relationships and parenting.

Chat With a Victim Advocate

Find help for domestic abuse from the victim advocate closest to you by using the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator — whether you’re in the United States or overseas.

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What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is a form of domestic abuse. The Defense Department describes domestic abuse as a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse, economic control or interference with personal liberty that is directed toward a person who is a:

Current or former spouse
Person with whom the abuser shares a child in common
Current or former intimate partner with whom the alleged abuser shares or has shared a common domicile
Person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the alleged abuser

According to the Department of Justice, physical abuse could include refusing a partner medical care or forcing alcohol and/or drug use upon them. Other forms of physical abuse might involve:

Strangling, hitting, kicking, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting
Hurting pets or children
Denial of food and sleep
Hair pulling
Burning
Threatening violence
Controlling medication

How to get help

If you are mistreated by your partner, don’t be ashamed. It’s not your fault, and you’re not alone.

FAP supports victims, service members and military families impacted by domestic abuse. Family Advocacy Program staff can help at any stage of a relationship. Victims decide how much of their story to share and the level of support they want, and FAP will tailor tools and resources to assist.

If you are seeking help because of domestic abuse, FAP can assist and connect you with helpful resources.

Access non-medical counseling services. Military OneSource and Military and Family Life Counseling provide free, short-term, confidential non-medical counseling services for issues ranging from marital conflicts to coping with grief and deployment adjustments.