Book Description

Because of concern that spouses and children of military personnel may not have the same level of confidentiality as they would in the civilian community, Congress directed us to review the confidentiality of military dependent communications in family abuse cases. Section 585 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (PL. 105-65, Oct. 5, 1999), required us to examine the policies, procedures, and practices of the military departments for protecting the confidentiality of communications between military dependents and counselors, therapists, and other service providers regarding family abuse. To respond to this mandate, we determined (1) the extent of reported spousal and child abuse within the military, (2) the degree to which dependent conversations about family abuse are subject to disclosure, and (3) the nature of Department of Defense (DOD) efforts to address the confidentiality of dependent communications. The DOD Family Advocacy Program defines spousal abuse as assaults, threats, and other acts of force or violence and as emotional and financial maltreatment, including any actions that harm or limit the spouse's freedom of choice. Child abuse includes physical or emotional injury; sexual maltreatment; and neglect by parents, guardians, or other persons responsible for providing care. Each of the military services has established a Family Advocacy Program to provide family counseling and to help ensure the safety of alleged spousal and child abuse victims.