Military Domestic Violence — Higher Stakes, and Two Systems at Once

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7).

When a military family is involved, domestic violence carries higher stakes and unique complications — and it plays out in two systems at once: the civilian courts and the military’s own. Wilmington sits among major installations, and the consequences differ on both sides. Rice Law helps civilian victims of a service member get safe and protected, and defends service members who are wrongly accused — coordinating the civilian (§ 50B) and military (UCMJ / Family Advocacy / military protective order) tracks so nothing is missed.

For a Civilian Victim of a Service Member

In addition to North Carolina’s § 50B protective order, military families have further protections. The military may have jurisdiction under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and the military’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP) addresses incidents of domestic violence directly — a victim should report to FAP as soon as possible. A military protective order can confine the service member to barracks until the matter is fully investigated, and FAP will assign a caseworker and help you develop a safety plan. If the service member is discharged for abusing a spouse or child, federal law may provide transitional financial payments — and you may qualify for a portion of the member’s pension, if eligible, even if the member is denied retirement. We coordinate your § 50B order with these military protections so both work together.

North Carolina Family Advocacy Program contacts:

• Fort Bragg, NC
• Cherry Point, NC
• Camp Lejeune, NC
• Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, NC
• Coast Guard Family Advocacy Program, Elizabeth City, NC

For the Wrongly Accused Service Member

For a service member, the stakes run past the protective order to the uniform itself. A domestic-violence conviction — even a misdemeanor, and even in a civilian court — can end a military career, regardless of rank. The Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968 makes it unlawful for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to possess firearms, and that bar applies to military personnel — which is disqualifying for service. If you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, see a licensed attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. We coordinate with your criminal-defense counsel so the civilian and military consequences are handled together, on parallel tracks.

Real Abuse Is Serious. So Is a False Claim.

We never minimize genuine abuse, and we never coach or advance a false claim — that is perjury, and it harms true victims. Whether you need protection from a service member or you have been wrongly accused, the stakes in a military family are too high to wait. Talk with us right away.