Counsel aids sexual assault victims

  • Published
  • By 60th Air Mobility Wing Paralegal
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Paralegal
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Sexual assault is an ongoing issue in the military especially for the Air Force.

To combat these issues and provide support to victims, the Air Force is leading the way with the creation of the Special Victims' Counsel.

The SVC includes 24 attorneys and 10 paralegals from the Judge Advocate General Corps whose full-time job is to represent, support and advocate for survivors. The SVC is separate from the legal office and the Area Defense Counsel, allowing the attorney to concentrate solely on the needs of the victim.

The mission of the SVC is to provide support to victims of sexual assault through independent representation, build and sustain victim resiliency, empower victims and increase the level of legal assistance provided to victims. Victims are provided free legal assistance for civil issues as well as knowledge and support during the military justice process. The military justice process can be confusing and complicated, but now the victim does not have to be alone in the process. With the extra support and guidance, victims have their concerns addressed through their attorney during the entire process.

In order to be provided an attorney from the SVC, the individual must submit an official request either through the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or the base legal office to ensure they can receive these benefits. Once the SVC office has determined that the individual is eligible to receive assistance, the individual will enter into an attorney and client confidential relationship with their new SVC attorney.

The Travis SVC office is one of 10 regional offices worldwide. The Travis regional office represents victims at Travis, as well as Beale Air Force Base; Vandenberg AFB; the Presidio of Monterey; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; Hill AFB, Utah; and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

The Travis SVC office is located in Bldg. 381 Room F222, down the hall from the SARC and Equal Opportunity.

For more information, call the office at 424-1097.