And they operate Family Advocacy Programs at every installation that focus on prevention, victim advocacy and commander involvement. The whole country is becoming more sensitive to the issue of family violence. Communities are doing more to protect women and children. Gen. Craig B. Whelden, commander of the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center, the agency responsible for the Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, including Family Advocacy. The legislation authorized temporary payments at the rate specified for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Benefits start the date a court martial is approved or administrative separation is initiated.
Payments continue for a minimum of 12 months, but cannot exceed 36 months. Victims are also entitled to commissary and post exchange privileges as well as medical and dental care related to abuse during the time they receive TC benefits. From the beginning of the program through June 1999, there have been 300 applications from 55 Army locations. The program funding has helped 268 families including 530 children.