The White House published a Presidential Message on the 251st Birthday of the United States Army. This is a ceremonial government message recognizing the Army’s history, service, and role in national defense.

For most people seeking domestic violence help, this kind of announcement does not directly change emergency services, shelter access, restraining orders, or hotline support. But it can still matter if you or someone you love is connected to the military, living on or near a base, or relying on military systems for safety, housing, or legal help.

If abuse is happening in a military-connected household, public attention to the Army can bring up complicated feelings: fear, loyalty, pressure to stay quiet, or worry about consequences for a partner’s career. Survivors may also be unsure whether to contact civilian services, military services, or both.

A message honoring the Army does not mean abuse should be ignored. You still deserve safety, privacy, and support.

This update may be especially relevant if you are:

• A service member, veteran, or military spouse
• Living on a military installation or in military housing
• Worried about reporting abuse because of rank, command pressure, or retaliation
• Concerned about child custody, relocation, or loss of housing tied to military status
• Supporting someone who is active duty and experiencing abuse

• Call 911 if you can safely do so.
• If calling is unsafe, try to leave the area and get to a safer place, such as a neighbor, store, library, or public building.
• If you can, take your phone, keys, medications, ID, and children’s essential items.

You can often use both civilian and military resources. You do not have to figure it out alone.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text: START to 88788
• Chat: thehotline.org
• Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
• DoD Safe Helpline: 1-877-995-5247 for sexual assault support

If you are on a base, ask about:

• Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
• Victim advocates
• Emergency housing or temporary lodging
• Command or legal protections

• Use a safer device if possible.
• Clear call logs, browser history, and messages only if doing so will not increase risk.
• Turn off location sharing and check app permissions.
• Consider using a trusted friend’s phone or a public computer for sensitive searches.

A small emergency plan can help:

• Pack copies of IDs, birth certificates, immigration papers, bank cards, prescriptions, and keys if you can do so safely.
• Save important numbers on paper.
• Identify one safe person who can help with transportation, childcare, or a place to stay.
• If children are involved, think through school pickup, custody documents, and who is allowed to collect them.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text START to 88788
• Chat: https://www.thehotline.org

• Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
• DoD Safe Helpline: 1-877-995-5247
• Ask for a victim advocate or Family Advocacy Program contact through your installation or command support channels.

A local domestic violence program can help with:

• Safety planning
• Emergency shelter
• Legal advocacy
• Protection orders
• Transportation
• Child-related support
• Housing and benefits referrals

• You do not need proof to deserve help.
• Abuse can happen in any family, including military families.
• If a command response feels unsafe or dismissive, you can still contact civilian advocates.
• If you are afraid of retaliation, ask advocates about confidential options before sharing details.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is okay to treat it seriously.

This presidential message is ceremonial, and the public announcement does not appear to create a new domestic violence policy by itself. If you are affected by military rules, benefits, or reporting systems, the details may depend on your branch, location, housing status, and whether you are using civilian or military services.

If you are unsure what applies to you, a domestic violence advocate can help you sort through options without pressure.

If you are reading this while scared, exhausted, or unsure what to do next: you do not have to solve everything today. The safest next step may be as small as saving one phone number, telling one trusted person, or asking one advocate a question.

You deserve support that is calm, respectful, and on your side.