Counsel makes caring for Airmen priority

  • Published
  • By Col. William Muldoon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Staff Judge Advocate
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In my previous assignment as the chief judge of the Air Force's Western Judicial Region, I would stress to our newest judges the importance of respect in the courtroom - respect for the law, respect for the counsel, respect for the parties, both the Air Force and the accused, and perhaps most importantly, respect for the victims and witnesses involved in the court-martial process. 

Two years ago, the Air Force made a giant leap forward in ensuring respect for victims of sexual assault when it started its Special Victims' Counsel Program. The program provides active duty judge advocates to serve as the attorneys of victims of sexual assault. The Air Force's SVC program was the first of its kind in the Department of Defense and so well-received that Congress required all services to develop similar programs. Our SVCs are making a difference in the lives of sexual assault victims and in improving the culture and work environment of our Air Force.

The Air Force currently has 33 SVCs assisted by 10 paralegals stationed at Air Force installations around the world. Since the program began just over two years ago, they have served more than 1,400 victims, attending hundreds of trials and thousands of interviews.  They have recently added a completely new area of practice - child victims - and currently represent more than 30 children. They are shaping the military justice landscape to ensure victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the courts-martial process. At Travis, Capt. Gabe Podesta and Staff Sgt. Jenny Bingham are not alone. They can reach out to all AF SVCs when they need additional support.

In addition to protecting victims' privacy and supporting victims throughout the court-martial process, SVCs help their clients overcome challenges uniquely faced by victims of sexual assault. For example, SVCs regularly advocate on behalf of clients against ostracism, the sense that victims often feel that their peers and coworkers can seem uncomfortable around them and/or may choose sides between the victim and the accused.

Working with commanders, first sergeants and legal offices, SVCs facilitate better inter-agency communication and, when necessary, ensure affected victims are free from hostile work environments. Through their advocacy, collaboration and strong stance for change in the way things are done, SVCs produce a positive impact for their clients and give a voice to the once voiceless. 

Our SVCs are not the only ones who can help with these challenges. Every Airman can and should do their part to improve the lives of their fellow Airmen.  By providing support to everyone involved in this process - victims, witnesses and those accused - Airmen not only demonstrate respect for the law and process, but most importantly, their fellow Airmen.  We owe that to them and to ourselves. By doing so, we make our Air Force even greater than it is today.

For any questions about the program or if you wish to speak with the Travis SVC, call 424-1097.