In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness month starting October 1st, Secure Families Initiative (SFI) announces landmark federal legislation that would expand legal and housing protections for domestic violence victims on U.S. military installations. SFI is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded and led by active-duty military spouses.
The annual defense bill is in the process of being negotiated on Capitol Hill, and it currently contains two key provisions. First, when a domestic violence case is brought within the military’s judicial system, victims would now be eligible to receive steady legal support from a Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) throughout the process. Second, when a military spouse submits a credible report of domestic violence to their command, they would now retain access to on-base housing separate from their abuser for up to 180 days .
These historic policy changes would mark a major transformation in how the Pentagon supports military families impacted by violence and abuse. Right now, when a victim of domestic violence engages with the military’s justice system, they have no guarantee of a permanent, independent, or free legal representative accompanying them. Right now, when a victim raises the alarm about their and their children’s safety within their home, they can lose access to their military-connected housing once a 72-hour cooling off period ends. The proposed legislation would reverse both those safety gaps.
“This is about dignity, safety, and fairness,” said Brandi Jones, SFI’s Organizing Director, author of SFI’s Military Family Bill of Rights, and active-duty spouse of 22 years. “For too long, military spouses navigating domestic violence cases have had to do so without a dedicated attorney in the military system or a roof over their head. Soon, that changes. Spouses will no longer be expected to face a complex military justice system alone. They now have someone whose only duty is to stand with them, protect their rights, and ensure their voices are heard.”
“I fought for years to fundamentally reform the way that the military responds to sexual assault and domestic violence within its ranks, but there is still more we must do. Victims of domestic violence still face serious gaps in the support they receive,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “My provisions in this year’s NDAA would guarantee every survivor access to legal services and push the Department to ensure they have the time and safe housing they need to remain separate from their abuser. No survivor of domestic violence should be left without protection and support, and I will not stop fighting until these provisions are passed by Congress and signed into law.”
“Protecting survivors and military families is deeply personal to me, having experienced it firsthand,” said Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran. “No one should have to choose between escaping abuse and keeping a roof over their families’ heads. That’s why I fought to include these vital provisions in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act to expand access to legal counsel and help survivors and their loved ones remain safely housed while they seek justice.”
These policy changes were heavily informed by years of advocacy and testimony from military spouses who shared with Members of Congress about their experiences of domestic violence while living under the authority and structure of the military system. Among those voices were two military spouses (whose names are withheld for privacy) who told congressional staffers:
“I didn’t know where to turn. I was expected to report abuse, but I had no legal advocate in the military system explaining my rights or standing with me when decisions were made. I felt invisible in the process.”
“The system moved fast, but I didn’t understand it. Everyone had a role except someone whose job was just to represent me.”
These two provisions are currently embedded in the base text of both the House-passed and Senate-introduced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2027.
Secure Families Initiative (SFI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of diverse military-connected spouses, parents, children, and loved ones who work together to lift each other up as voters and advocates for their communities.