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SFRS Family Violence Quick Reference Guide

Family Violence Quick Reference Guide

Duty to Warn (Imminent Danger): If there is an active/imminent threat of harm to anyone:

  1. If you are a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist (SFRS) Immediately notify the Lead SFRS.
  2. Contact local law enforcement (911)
  3. SFRS in coordination with the Lead SFRS, notify the appropriate chain of command to implement safety measures.

Indiana Child Abuse Mandated Reporting: Under state law, any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor must be reported immediately:

Indiana Department of Child Services 24/7 Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline  - Reports can be anonymous.

Soldier and Family Readiness Specialists (SFRS) who learn of family violence follow these steps:

Validate and Believe: "I believe you. Thank you for trusting me with this”
Assess Danger: "Are you/children/pets in immediate physical danger”
Yes No
Emergency Protocol  Resource Support
Secure location and call 911 "Can I help connect you to someone who works with people in this situation?"
Confirm exact physical location address Offer to make the phone call with them (warm hand-off).
Notify lead SFRS – initiate duty to warn protocols Inform on Duty to Warn “As SFRS I need to inform the lead SFRS on this situation.”
  “Would you like SFRS to notify the service members command of this situation?”
  Ask: “Do you have a safety plan?”
    Offer Safety Planning 

Listen Without Judgment: Listen to understand, not to reply. Ask open-ended questions. Do not ask "Why don't you just leave?" or offer unsolicited advice. Reflective Listening Resources

Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their situation with empathy: "It makes complete sense that you are feeling confused right now." Understanding Survivor Perspectives

Respect Their Boundaries: Let the survivor guide the conversation. Reinforce autonomy: "We only talk about what you want to talk about." Setting Boundaries as a Helper

Organization Contact Information Key Purpose
Emergency Services 911 Active violence, medical emergencies, immediate safety
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 (Call or Text, Press 1 for Military) 24/7 free, confidential crisis counseling
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) 24/7 crisis support, local shelter referrals
Indy Champions 317-210-0866 Local Indiana 24-hour access line for crisis support.
DOD Safe Helpline 877-995-5247 24/7 military-specific confidential support
Military OneSource 800-342-9647 Confidential non-medical counseling and local resources
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence ICADV Program Finder Local shelters and advocacy programs in Indiana

Create Your Personal Safety Plan Checklist

If you need help, who can you reach out to? What is their contact information? Interactive Safety Plan Tool

 

Post-Action Protocol for SFRS:

  1. Soldier and Family Readiness Specialists (SFRS), notify the Lead SFRS while maintaining HIPAA/Privacy Act standards.
  2. Call the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) confidentially to debrief.
  3. Practice intentional self-care (counseling, diet, exercise, socialization, etc.) to process trauma.

     I Want To

     Online Services