How can I protect myself from domestic abuse while living overseas?
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The best step right now is to build as much documentation and personal protection as possible while external help is pending.
Preserve every record of your reports — all emails, messages, and notifications you sent to any military or federal offices. Store your documentation somewhere secure and inaccessible to your spouse.
You can also request a written order from the installation commander preventing your spouse from entering your residence or contacting you. Even if they decline to investigate, they still have authority to issue a protective or no-contact order in domestic-violence situations.
Submit the request in writing through the installation’s legal office or security office. If denied, forward the denial to the U.S. Embassy and to the Department of Defense Inspector General.
Document every concerning contact or incident. Keep a list with dates, times, and witnesses. Photograph any property damage or injuries. For your belongings, create a detailed inventory with photos and receipts, then send copies to yourself and someone you trust off-site.
If you can consult any licensed U.S. attorney remotely, they can create a basic “Do Not Enter Without Consent” letter. It is not enforceable like a court order but can serve as formal notice and become helpful if disputes arise later.
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I’m a civilian U.S. citizen and veteran living overseas on a U.S. military installation. I’m in an ongoing domestic abuse situation. I filed a restricted report with the Family Advocacy Program in the U.S. but have no direct access to resources where I am located.
I already contacted the U.S. Embassy for assistance so my domestic abuse report can be preserved and investigated properly without bias. I currently have no access to legal aid or legal protection.
My spouse initiated a process requiring me to permanently return to the U.S., along with my belongings, by a set date. Is it possible to obtain a “Do Not Enter Without Consent” letter from a lawyer? My spouse is demanding a walk-through before movers arrive. I was told any division of marital property can be addressed later in civil court.
I’m only taking items I owned before marriage, plus one television. I have receipts proving those items were mine prior to marriage.
How can I secure my belongings without interference, and how can I legally protect myself? The installation command refused to investigate my report despite multiple pieces of evidence. I was told my case is not “significant” enough to investigate. I also never had access to marital funds and was told I have no rights to legal assistance or financial access.
I'm really sorry you're going through this. Have you reached out to any local or specialized domestic-abuse organizations for assistance?
Yes.
Are there any specific belongings you’re especially concerned about securing before the relocation date?
No, I just don’t want problems since I have no legal representation here.
Is there anything else the family lawyer should know before I connect you?
No.
I’m happy to help. Please note this is general guidance only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Could you share more about your situation so I can assist?
The installation is under U.S. Army jurisdiction, but they will not provide legal assistance. That’s why I contacted the Embassy. While waiting for their response, how can I legally protect myself if I have no access to legal help overseas?
The best step right now is to build as much documentation and personal protection as possible while external help is pending.
Preserve every record of your reports — all emails, messages, and notifications you sent to any military or federal offices. Store your documentation somewhere secure and inaccessible to your spouse.
You can also request a written order from the installation commander preventing your spouse from entering your residence or contacting you. Even if they decline to investigate, they still have authority to issue a protective or no-contact order in domestic-violence situations.
Submit the request in writing through the installation’s legal office or security office. If denied, forward the denial to the U.S. Embassy and to the Department of Defense Inspector General.
Document every concerning contact or incident. Keep a list with dates, times, and witnesses. Photograph any property damage or injuries. For your belongings, create a detailed inventory with photos and receipts, then send copies to yourself and someone you trust off-site.
If you can consult any licensed U.S. attorney remotely, they can create a basic “Do Not Enter Without Consent” letter. It is not enforceable like a court order but can serve as formal notice and become helpful if disputes arise later.
Thank you. The Embassy said they can help with a Privacy Act release form. Can you review the authorization clause I wrote?
(Customer provides text — details removed for confidentiality)
Your authorization clause is well-drafted and clearly limits disclosure while allowing coordination with appropriate agencies. It specifies the Privacy Act basis, defines the scope of release, and restricts disclosure of medical or therapeutic information.
A few refinements would strengthen it:
– Add language clarifying that information cannot be disclosed to any administrative staff or contractors not directly involved.
– Add the specific office within the Embassy that handles U.S. citizen assistance abroad.
– Clarify that victim-advocacy organizations may be military or civilian.
– Consider adjusting wording on due-process rights for consistency.
Overall, it is strong and accomplishes your protective goals without overreleasing information.
