H.R. 10870: Military Domestic Violence Survivors Support Act

This bill would expand a military legal support program so that service members who are victims of domestic violence can receive the same kind of help already available to victims of certain sex-related offenses.

What changes it makes

• It updates a section of federal law governing Special Victims’ Counsel services in the military.
• It adds domestic violence to the types of cases covered by that program.
• It changes some wording in the law to reflect the new coverage, including replacing references to “domestic abuse advocate” with “domestic abuse victim advocate.”
• It also updates related legal references so the new coverage fits into the existing military justice system.

What Special Victims’ Counsel does

Special Victims’ Counsel are attorneys who help certain victims navigate the military justice process. Under this bill, domestic violence victims would be able to get that type of legal support, which can include guidance on rights, procedures, and participation in the case.

When it would take effect

The changes would not apply immediately. The bill says they would take effect two years after enactment.

Reporting requirement

The Secretary of Defense would have to brief the congressional Armed Services Committees within one year of enactment on how the Pentagon is putting the new policies and procedures into place.

Relevant Companies

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