An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Special Victims' Counsel Program provided to Air Force members

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Corrie Thomas
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Special Victims paralegal
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Special Victims' Counsel Program provides victims of a sexual assault with a specialized attorney that gives legal advice and establishes an attorney-client relationship, which means the victim has complete confidentiality with their Special Victims' Counsel and the Special Victims' Paralegal.

The SVC is able to guide the victim through the criminal justice system, and ensure that contact from other agencies during the investigation is done through their SVC, and not directly with the victim. The SVC can also attend any interviews that the victim may want their attorney present for, such as an Office of Special Investigation interview. The SVC is also present for hearings and court to ensure the victims' rights are protected and that their voice is heard.

SVC services are provided to Air Force Active Duty members, Active Duty dependents, to include minors, Air Force Reserve members (active at the time of the offense), Air National Guard members while on Title 10 status and DoD civilian employees.

It's also important to note that both the AF reserve and the ANG can still talk to their SVC when they're in their civilian status, so long as the offense took place during their active status. The National Guard also has a Special Victims' Program for Air National Guard and Army National Guard members. For eligibility and information from the National Guard Special Victims' Counsel Office please contact their office toll free at (844) 468-4917.

The SVC program is continuously growing and the eligibility for SVC services continues to expand. If there are questions on whether someone is eligible, please call the SVC office. Also, whether a report is restricted or unrestricted does not impact SVC eligibility. SVCs can answer legal questions about going from restricted to unrestricted and explain that process to victims who are considering an unrestricted report to have the information they need to make a decision.

SVC/SVP's chain of command is separate from anyone on the installation, and it goes through the Air Force Legal Operations Agency at Joint Base Andrews. Meaning an SVC/SVP does not work for the wing or any other tenant unit on this base. Their only concern is the best interest of their client because a SVCs duty is to the victim.

The SARC can give a referral to the SVC if the victim requests it, or the victim can make a request with the SVC office. For any questions regarding the Special Victims Counsel program, please contact the SVC office at (618) 229-1670/256-4891.