Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate

Summary

CHENEGA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC. Goodfellow AFB, TX. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is designed to identify, prevent, and provide treatment to families, couples, and intimate partners impacted by domestic abuse (DA). FAP offers the support of Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVA) to provide DAF personnel, their family members, or intimate partners who are victims of DA non‑clinical emergent and urgent service whenever requested, while observing mandatory state, federal, and military reporting requirements.

• Provides 24‑hour/7‑day response to victims alleging DA by publishing and maintaining an emergency contact number via cell phone provided by vendor.
• Establishes a victim’s safety plan on a case‑by‑case basis and reviews it during each victim contact.
• Partners with the Family Advocacy Treatment Manager (FATM), Family Advocacy Intervention Specialist (FAIS), or mental health on‑call provider to establish safety plans, prioritizing victim safety.
• Develops safety plans based on initial and ongoing risk assessments; if imminent risk of serious harm or death is established, notifies the FAO, law enforcement, and Command.
• Immediately reports any changes in the victim’s circumstances that impact the safety plan.
• Assesses risk factors such as:
  • Victimization patterns increased in severity or frequency.
  • Alleged offender threatened or attempted to kill the victim or their children.
  • Alleged offender threatened or attempted suicide.
  • Alleged offender strangled the victim.
  • Alleged offender used or threatened to use a weapon against the victim.
  • Victim sustained serious injury during the abusive incidents.
  • Prior police contact with the alleged offender regarding DA.
  • Victim has a restraining or protection order against the alleged offender.
  • Victim is estranged, separated, or attempting to separate from the alleged offender.
  • Alleged offender stalked the victim.
  • Alleged offender abuses alcohol or drugs.
  • Alleged offender forced sex on the victim.
  • Alleged offender abused victim during current pregnancy.
  • Victim expresses fear of imminent serious harm or death.
  • Alleged offender has active psychosis or mania.
  • Alleged offender is using psychoactive drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine.
  • Alleged offender exhibits obsessive behavior, extreme jealousy, or extreme dominance.
• Advises each victim at the initial contact that DAVA services are voluntary, have limited confidentiality IAW AF policy, and recommends medical examination of injuries.
• Explains options for restricted or unrestricted reporting of DA.
• Advises victims of the military or civil actions available to promote safety (e.g., wilderness orders). (
  
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• Provides information regarding identified needs (e.g., emergency shelter, housing, childcare, legal services, clinical resources).
• Offers follow‑up DAVA services to each victim, empowering the victim to advocate for their and children’s needs, supporting decision‑making, prioritizing actions, establishing short/long‑term goals, and providing information and referral on military and civilian resources.
• Supports the treatment/case manager in promoting safety for victim and children, and briefs the manager prior to Clinical Case Staffing (CCS) sessions.
• Manages a contact file for each victim, maintaining minimal information and placing safety plan documents in the file.
• Maintains DAVA contact files in the FAP office under a double‑lock system and/or database, marking each file as “Open” or “Closed.”
• Submits Victim Impact Statements upon victim request to the relevant parties.
• Enters victim contact information and performs other monthly activities as per DAF FAP guidance.
• Develops a process to keep the FAO and designated POC informed of DAVA’s location and timelines during services.
• Supports FAIS in developing system advocacy, education, and public awareness initiatives.
• Collaborates with Security Forces Squadron (SFS) and Office of Special Investigations (OSI) on 24‑hour notification, collaboration on safety planning, and training on DAVA role.
• Collaborates with Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) on 24‑hour notification and training.
• Establishes liaisons with…