Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

Domestic violence and sexual assault services cover the network of laws, protections, and support systems available to people who experience abuse or assault, whether at home, at work, or within institutions like the military. These services include emergency shelter, legal protections such as restraining orders, counseling, and reporting channels designed to help survivors find safety and hold offenders accountable.

Military settings present distinct challenges because service members often live and work under the same chain of command as the people involved in an incident, and cases can intersect with military justice rather than civilian courts alone. The Department of Defense maintains dedicated programs to prevent sexual assault and respond when it occurs, explained in Understanding the Military’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program and in Navigating SHARP/SAPR: A Guide to DoD Sexual Assault & Harassment Resources, which cover reporting options, victim advocacy, and the resources available to those affected.

Protective orders are a core tool across both civilian and military systems, offering a legal mechanism to limit contact between a survivor and an alleged abuser while an investigation or case proceeds. Within the armed forces, commanders can issue these orders directly, a process detailed in Military Protective Orders (MPOs): What They Are and How They Work.

Civilian support operates through a mix of state courts, local shelters, hotlines, and advocacy organizations, since most protections against domestic violence and sexual assault are governed by state rather than federal law. This means the specific process for seeking a protective order, reporting a crime, or accessing shelter can vary depending on where a person lives.