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Special Victims' Counsel (SVC)/ Victims' Legal Counsel (VLC)/ Victims' Counsel (VC)
SVC/VLC/VCs are military attorneys who provide victims of sexual assault with confidential legal advice, representation, and assistance with exercising their rights throughout the investigative and justice process. Communication with these attorneys is protected and cannot be shared with anyone. SVC/VLC/VCs are personal lawyers, not the prosecutor or defense attorney. A victim can access this support whether they file a Restricted or Unrestricted Report, even if they have not yet made an official report.
The Army, National Guard, and Coast Guard refer to these professionals as Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC), while the Navy and Marine Corps have labeled them Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) and the Air Force names them Victims’ Counsel (VC). These lawyers have experience trying cases in both military and civilian trials. They understand the legal process and guide victims as an alleged offender is brought to trial. |
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