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“We are not performing to the standards and expectations we have for ourselves of for each other. This is unacceptable. We cannot shrink from facing the challenge head on. We must and will do better… this is a call to action.”

- Patrick M. Shanahan, former United States federal government official who served as acting U.S. Secretary of Defense




Program Overview

The Department of Defense is unequivocal in its commitment that victims of sexual assault be protected, treated with dignity and respect, provided proper medical and psychological care, and that the perpetrators of such assaults be held accountable in accordance with recognized principles of due process and the rules of law.

History: In February 2004, the former Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld directed a 90-day review of all sexual assault policies and programs among the Services and DoD, and recommend changes necessary to increase prevention, promote reporting, enhance the quality and support provided to victims, especially within combat theaters, and improve accountability for offender actions.  The Department quickly assembled the Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force.  One of the recommendations emphasized the need to establish a single point of accountability for sexual assault policy within the Department. This led to the establishment of the Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR).  The overarching elements of sexual assault prevention and response policy became permanent with the approval of DoD Directive 6495.01, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Policy, in October 2005.

Today, there are almost 24,000 certified SARCs and SAPR VAs within the DoD. The Department of the Air Force SAPR Program Strives to:

e the gap between the prevalence of sexual assault and reporting, while driving incidents down to zero. When sexual assaults do occur, SAPR provides victim-centered, gender-responsive, culturally competent and recovery-oriented care.

Sexual Assault: Intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Consent: Permission to engage in sexual activity. A person must be of legal age (16 in the military, 17 in Louisiana), of sound mind (without mental disabilities that do not allow for a person to legally consent to sex), conscious, and awake to give consent. If incapacitated (passed out, unable to function) by alcohol, a person cannot give consent.  **No consent if coercion or a use/threat of force is involved**

Catch Program

The CATCH Program allows sexual assault victims, filed a Restricted Report, to voluntarily submit an anonymous entry and discover if the suspect in their Report may have also assaulted another person (a “match” in the CATCH website). With knowledge of a “potential match”, victims can then decide whether to participate in an investigation of a serial offender suspect.  A Restricted Report will not be converted based on the information a victim provided to the CATCH Program without their permission. A victim may decline to participate in the process at any point, even after being notified that there was a potential match. There are no adverse consequences if a victim does not agree to participate.

Reporting Options

Deciding whether to report a sexual assault is a deeply personal decision; however, reporting may be a gateway to recovery. The Air Force is committed to ensuring sexual assault victims are protected, treated with dignity and respect, and provided support, advocacy, and care.  To achieve this objective, the Air Force has two reporting options: Unrestricted and Restricted Reporting.  These options allow Service members who experienced sexual assault to exercise control over how and when they engage with resources.

Individuals may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in or outside of their chain of command. A report made outside of the chain of command can remain confidential when made to: SARC, SAPR VA, VVA, healthcare personnel, assigned Victim’s Counsel, legal assistance officer, chaplain or through the DoD Safe Helpline.

 

Unrestricted Reporting Restricted Reporting
  • Available to military/dependents, DoD civilians/dependents (18+ yrs), and Contractors
  • Commander is Notified
  • Investigation Initiated
  • Can request Expedited Transfer
  • Can request Military Protective Order/Civilian Protective Order
  • May not convert to a restricted report
  • Available to military/dependents (18+ yrs)
  • Confidential communication 
  • No investigation
  • No Commander notification
  • Cannot request Expedited Transfer
  • Cannot request Military Protective Order or Civilian Protective Order
  • May not file if victim has personally reported the sexual assault to SFS, OSI or previously filed an unrestricted report for the same incident

 

Additional Services Provided regardless of report

  • Mental Health, Chaplain, and SAPR advocacy services
  • Victim's Counsel representation
  • Legal Support: legal representation through the SVC
  • Medical Support: on/off base medical evaluation, forensic exam, treatment of injuries/ STDs
  • Counseling Resources: on/off base mental health care
  • Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)
  • Participation in the CATCH Program

*Mandatory Reporters*

Who Can keep a Report Confidential

  • Chain of Command (i.e. supervisor, First Sergeant, Commander)
  • Security Forces/law enforcement member
  • OSI
  • IG
  • EO
  • Air Force Instructors (i.e. ALS/NCOA)
  • SAPR Office personnel
  • Volunteer Victim Advocates (VVA)
  • Chaplain
  • Medical Personnel
  • Special Victims’ Counsel

A member may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in her or his chain of command and still elect to file a restricted report, however, this does not preclude the initiation of an investigation into the allegation and commanders are still required to immediately refer the report to OSI for investigation.

**Note: commanders retain his or her duty to immediately contact OSI, upon being notified of a sexual assault, Whether or Not the sexual assault is in his or her own chain of command**

 

Military Sexual Trauma (MST):Veterans Affairs provides free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to an experience of MST. You do not need documentation of the MST experience or a VA disability rating to receive care.


Reprisal, Retaliation, or Ostracism: Federal law prohibits military members, civilian employees, and contractors from reprising, retaliating, or ostracizing individuals who report a crime or provide information relating to a criminal investigation. Prohibited actions may include taking, or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action; withholding, or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action; or socially ostracizing you for making a protected communication. If you believe someone has reprised, retaliated, or ostracized you for reporting a sexual assault or participating in a criminal investigation, contact your SAPR Office or IG Office.

Contact Information

24-hour Hotline: 318-456-SARC (7272)

Main Line: 318-456-8118

Other Agencies: 

Chaplain: 318-456-2111
Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA): 24/7 response: 318-233-2230
Family Advocacy Program (FAP): 318-456-6595
IG: 318-456-5049
Mental Health: 318-456-6600
Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC): 318-553-4597

Address:

241 Curtiss Rd, Bldg 4546 (across from the Med Group)

Resources:

www.sapr.mil
www.safehelpline.org
www.resilience.af.mil/SAPR/
www.rainn.org/

 

Links

Military OneSource: 800-342-9647
DoD Safe Helpline: provides 24/7 anonymous, confidential sexual assault support for the DoD community: 877-995-5247
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Apps

Air Force Connect 

  • Get it on Google play
  • Get it on the App Store

Life Armor

  • ​Get it on Google play
  • Get it on the App Store

Positive Activity

  • ​Get it on Google play
  • Get it on the App Store

Virtual Hope box

  • ​Get it on Google play
  • Get it on the App Store

PTSD Coach

  • ​Get it on Google play
  • Get it on the App Store

Tactical Breather

  • ​Get it on Google play
  • Get it on the App Store

 

Special Victims Council

Contact Information

Main Line:

781-3387 DSN

318-456-3387 Comm

Address:

Bldg 5441

40 Barksdale Avenue W

Suite 129

Barksdale AFB, LA 71110

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC)?

A SVC is a military attorney who specializes in representing victims of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, stalking, and

other similar crimes.

How is a SVC different from the base legal office or area defense counsel (ADC)?

The base legal office has attorneys who work for the government of the Air Force while the area defense counsel (ADC)

works for Air Force members charged or accused of crimes. In contrast, an SVC works for victims including Air Force

members or their dependents. An SVC has a separate office and different chain of command from the base legal office

and ADC. The Chief of the SVC Program is located in Washington, DC.

What are the SVC Program objectives?

There are 4 main SVC objectives: (1) provide support through independent representation; (2) build and sustain victim

resiliency; (3) empower victims; and (4) increase the level of legal assistance provided to victims.

When did the SVC Program begin?

It started in January 2013 as a test program in the Air Force. It was the first program in the DoD to offer victims free legal

representation. Due to its success, all military branches now have their own special victims’ counsel-type programs.

What is the purpose of the SVC Program?

In short, the SVC Program was created for three main reasons: (1) to empower victims by removing barriers to their full

participation in the military justice process; (2) to provide victims zealous advocacy by protecting their rights; and (3) to

provide legal advice by developing victims’ understanding of the often complex investigatory and military justice system.

Who is eligible for a SVC?

Eligibility is initially determined by statute. The statute authorizes services for active duty, dependents, Guard, Reserve, and

certain other individuals. There are also clients that we take on as an exception.

If the offense happened years ago, is the victim still eligible for an SVC?

It depends on many factors, including the status of the victim and the status of the perpetrator. If the victim is not elidgible he

or she could request a SVC by excemption.

Do SVCs represent minors?

Yes, SVCs now represent children of active-duty members or Guard/Reserve on Title 10 orders.

What if a victim doesn’t know who the perpetrator is or the perpetrator was a civilian?

If the victim is active duty, it doesn’t matter if the perpetrator is known or unknown, civilian or military.􀀃 For everyone else,

the status of the perpetrator being subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice is required.

How much does a SVC cost?

SVC services are free.

What if I meet with a SVC and then determine I don’t want one?

That is completely fine. The client/victim who meets with the SVC has absolutely no obligation to retain the SVC. So, if

you or someone you know would like to learn more about the SVC’s services, you are welcome to set up an appointment.

What do SVCs do for their clients?

SVCs do many things for their clients such as: offer consultation and advice; advise them of their rights [see next question];

offer referrals for numerous types of services; attend any and all interviews with them; speak to others on the clients’

behalf including with trial counsel, area defense counsel, military judges, Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Security

Forces Squadron (SFS), commanders, and others; represent the client in courts or discharge boards; assist in cases

involving retaliation against victims for reporting a crime; and work through and explain the numerous legal processes,

procedures, evidence, and other issues that may arise for courts-martial, discharge boards, or other legal matters.􀀃 In short,

SVCs act as zealous advocates for their clients to try and achieve their goals and desires within the context of the law.

What are some legal rights that victims are entitled to?

These rights include: (1) being reasonably protected from the offender; (2) the right to notice of identified events in the

military justice process about the case; (3) the right not to be excluded from any public hearing involving the􀀃case (with

some limited exceptions); (4) the right to be reasonably heard at certain hearings; (5) the right to communicate with

government counsel in the case; (6) the right to receive restitution, if available; (7) the right to be provided information

about any conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the offender; (8) the right to legal proceedings free from

unreasonable delay; and (9) the right to be treated with fairness and respect for a victim’s dignity and privacy.

If the offense happened off-base by a civilian, can the SVC represent a victim in civilian court?

While SVCs can still offer those victims confidential consultation, advice, and other services related to the offense, because

they may not be licensed in the state where the offense occurred, they cannot appear in civilian court.

Is the victim’s communication to the SVC protected?

Absolutely! Everything told by a victim to a SVC is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. This means the

SVC cannot tell anyone what a victim says unless the victim gives permission to do so. There are only a few limited

exceptions where a SVC could tell someone about their conversations such as if the victim told the SVC that he or she was

going to commit a crime or the SVC has to defend a claim made by the victim against the SVC.

If a victim doesn’t want anyone to know about the crime, can a victim talk to a SVC 

Yes, victims can speak to SVCs without letting anyone else know. SVCs can advise victims on legal implications on

restricted and unrestricted reporting and help facilitate if he/she decides to report.

If a victim wants to leave the unit, squadron or base, can the SVC assist with this?

Yes. Depending on the victim’s status, nature of the case, and whereabouts of the offender the SVC can assist with

applying for a transfer of either the victim or perpetrator to another unit, squadron, or base.

How long does SVC representation last?

Once the SVC enters into an ongoing attorney-client relationship that SVC remains the counsel for the victim for all

matters relating to the sex-related offense, unless released by the client or terminated for good cause, including but not

limited to separation or retirement.

What is the role of the Special Victims’ Paralegal (SVP)?

The paralegal is an extension of that attorney-client team for victims. They maintain the privileged communication just as

the SVC does. The paralegal conducts the administrative tasks involved and manages initial requests. The paralegal is also

that other point of contact when the attorney may not be available. The paralegal will likely be the first contact you have

with the SVC office and they can answer questions you may have and ensure that you receive the services needed. Simply

put, they handle everything behind the scenes and will be just as involved as the attorneys on a case so don’t hesitate to

utilize them as well.

Eligibility

Victims of sexually-related offenses generally qualify for SVC services when they fall into one of the following statuses:

•  AF Active Duty, Reserve and ANG members

•  DoD Civilian Employees if

         •  Perpetrator is a Service member

         •  Currently

         •  When Crime was Committed

•  Active Duty Dependents/Retirees if

         •  Perpetrator is a Service member

         •  Currently

         •  When Crime was Committed; and

         •  At time of Report

**Even if Victims do not fall into one of the above categories they

may request an exception allowing them to receive SVC services.**

Scope of Representation

SVCs and Special Victims’ Paralegals (SVPs) assist with many victims’ rights issues, including the following:

•  Guiding Clients through Investigations

         •  Attend Interviews with OSI, Prosecutors, and Defense Attorneys

         •  Coordinate with commanders, first sergeants and the legal office

•  Representation to Protect Client’s Rights during Proceedings

         •  Courts-Martial (Trials and Article 32 Hearings)

         •  Discharge Boards

•  Advocacy to Civilian Prosecutors/Agencies

•  While SVCs cannot represent clients in civilian courts, we can help ensure that your views are heard to civilian prosecutors and investigators

•  Collateral Misconduct (under certain conditions)

•  Inspector General, Equal Opportunity, Article 138, and Congressional Complaints

 Program Overview

In 2013, the Air Force established the Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) program as part of a larger initiative to ensure that victims of sexual assault receive care and support. Today, the SVC program has become an integral part of the military justice system. SVCs are experienced JAGs who advise, advocate for, and empower victims of sexual assault by providing them with independent legal representation throughout the court-martial process. To preserve this independence, SVCs do not fall under installation's chain of command, and maintain strict attorney-client privilege with their clients. They help ensure that clients’ rights under Article 6b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice are preserved at every step of the judicial process. SVCs may assist clients who have made a restricted report, unrestricted report, or no report at all.

 

Victims’ Rights under the Uniform Code of  Military Justice

Article 6b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice states that victims of an offense have the 
following rights. SVCs work to ensure that these rights are upheld on behalf of their clients.

1.  The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.

2.  The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any of the following:
A. A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement prior to trial of the accused
B. A preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title relating to the offense
C. A court-martial relating to the offense
D. A public proceeding of the service clemency and parole board relating to the offense

3. The right not to be excluded from any public hearing or proceeding unless a military judge or 
investigating officer, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by 
the victim…would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that hearing or 
proceeding

4.  The right to be reasonably heard at any of the following:
A. A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement prior to trial of the accused
B. A sentencing hearing relating to the offense
C. A public proceeding of the service clemency and parole board relating to the offense

5. The reasonable right to confer with the counsel representing the Government at any proceeding 
describe in paragraph (2) above

6.  The right to receive restitution as provided in law.

7. The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

8. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the dignity and privacy of the victim.

Frequently Asked Questions