Military Family Advocacy: A Status Report

Abstract

In the past decade, issues posed by child and spouse abuse have become a national concern, shared by the armed forces. This article traces the development of the military family advocacy movement, from mounting public concern about child abuse and neglect to establishment of formal programs in the services, under guidance from the Department of Defense. Individual services are now working to expand and coordinate their family advocacy efforts. Program policies are being issued and modified, and training directed toward personnel who deal with these issues.