A two-year long CBS News investigation found more than 100,000 instances of domestic abuse in the military have been reported since 2015. Despite the Pentagon spending upwards of $1 billion in programming, there’s a consistent lack of immediate support for survivors.
Though governmental financial assistance is available for survivors through the Transitional Compensation program, it can take months to finalize eligibility and process paperwork before the funds are dispersed. This can be the difference between life and death for victims of domestic abuse.
With this in mind, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is leading the way for military relief societies to be part of the solution through its Safe Harbor Program.
On average, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience intimate partner violence during their lifetimes. The 20-year War on Terror saw domestic violence reporting skyrocket for the military community, quickly outpacing the statistics of the civilian population.
“Leaving is often the most dangerous period of time for survivors of abuse. Financial support during this vulnerable stage is a crucial step to empowering a person to take the steps that will secure their safety and give them a higher chance of success away from an abusive situation,” Jessica Manfre, CGMA Case Manager and licensed social worker, explained.
A 2017 Blue Star Families survey found that among active-duty spouses who experienced physical abuse in that year, 87% did not report it. Barriers to reporting, seeking help and leaving a relationship with domestic abuse hinge on many factors but topping the list is financial.
The Safe Harbor Program will provide essential funds to prevent privation by offering a combination of grants and interest-free loans as needed for shelter, food, transportation, and childcare costs, according to a press release.
“Standing in the gap is a priority for CGMA as we support the Coast Guard community. The Safe Harbor Program mobilizes financial support as a haven for those taking steps to pursue freedom that would otherwise be complicated or delayed,” Cari B. Thomas, CGMA CEO and Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Ret), stated.
According to National Network to End Domestic Violence, more than 50% of requests for services made by survivors in the United States that cannot be met are for housing and safe shelter.
The Coast Guard, the nation’s smallest military service branch, formally responds to more than 300 incidents of spousal abuse every year. Approximately 60% of those include persons involved in earlier cases. These are only the cases reported and investigated. Statistically, unreported cases are likely to exceed three or four times that number. The number of children abused is currently not known since these cases are generally reported as spousal abuse.
A former spouse of an active-duty member spoke anonymously about the support received from CGMA.
“I greatly appreciate the grant having been approved. It helped cover some of the costs associated with an unexpected move I was forced to make due to domestic abuse from my now ex-husband,” Female survivor said.
Members and family members can access the support of the Safe Harbor program through contacting Family Advocacy, CGMA representatives or CGMA headquarters. Direct requests for assistance can be directed to Jessica Manfre, CGMA Case Manager, at jessica.manfre@cgmahq.org or by calling 571-438-9501.
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