The Department of State (DOS) views divorce as a private civil matter to be addressed by a civilian court. When the separation becomes difficult, including physical harm and non-physical harm, harassment and emotional abuse, the spouse is left with “a sense of loss and powerlessness.” The Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) provides somewhat ad hoc advice, most often referring spouses at risk to AAFSW. DOS does not provide access to free legal assistance services, and has no legal assistance offices to visit. Over the past two years, as the Spouse in Transition Chair, I have heard and witnessed too many men and women going through unfair and undeserved hardship. “We were… Read More
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