Reporting Domestic Violence Options: Unrestricted vs. Restricted Reporting Published Jan. 12, 2016 By Family Advocacy Program Medical Operations Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- "You have a voice, let it be heard" Some victims don't ask for help because they fear for their safety or the safety of their children. Victims of domestic violence don't always recognize they are victims and feel the violence is normal. Unfortunately, it is often only when someone is seriously hurt that their friends, family or professionals become aware of the situation. If you are a victim of abuse or know someone who is, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) offers Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) services. The DAVA program is designed to provide a voice to victims who need support to speak about their experience. The DAVA works 24/7 as needed to provide victim advocacy to all active duty personnel, their family members or intimate partners who are eligible beneficiaries of the military health care system. The DAVA's duties include, but are not limited to: - safety planning and linkage to needed installation and community services - regional and local resources - getting a protection order with both military and civil court - support during court proceedings. Accompaniment is provided to the victim for medical appointments, law enforcement investigations, counseling and any judicial processes. Each individual who is a victim of domestic violence has the option of either making a restricted or unrestricted report. An unrestricted report is for victims who want the military chain-of-command to know of an incident and to have it investigated. A restricted report allows victims of abuse to report details of the abuse to victim advocates, FAP and health care providers to access services or care without command's involvement. However, if a restricted report becomes known to command outside of those listed above, the incident will then be investigated as if it were an unrestricted report. In addition, if safety becomes a concern, the Family Advocacy Officer has the discretion to change a restricted report to an unrestricted report. A limitation of a restricted report is command's inability to implement safety measures, such as military no-contact orders. If you are a victim of abuse and would like to talk to a DAVA please call: Office Number: 701-723-5096 Emergency Line: 701-557-9466