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SVC advocates for victims

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn R.C. Reaves
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  When tragedy strikes in the form of sexual violence, victims may feel robbed of control or have difficulty confronting the pain, unable to overcome it.

To help victims of sexual offenses regain power and move forward in the healing process, the Special Victims' Counsel provides tailored legal aid.

Being represented by an SVC, a judge advocate whose only duty is representing sexual assault victims, has nothing to do with misconduct, said Capt. Lauren Kerby, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, SVC. Instead, the attorney is there for their client by advocating for them in legal matters and helping them make informed decisions so they can begin to heal.

Upon reaching out to the counsel, whether they decide to file a restricted or unrestricted report, Airmen, family members and eligible civilians receive free assistance every step of the way.

Senior Airman Alec Potter, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., special victims’ paralegal, said most people do not know much about the court martial process, which can be extremely confusing. To overcome this, an SVC and SVP work to provide clients assistance and representation during all parts of the military justice process including investigations, preliminary hearings, courts martial and discharge boards.

Potter said the team may also be able to provide other legal assistance connected to sexual offenses such as helping a client break a lease at an apartment where they were assaulted.

While discussing these topics with an SVC, clients can be assured of their privacy with complete confidentiality. This guarantee can facilitate open dialogue which may help the attorney and victim reach their goals.

SVCs may help victims get information about their case and the accused, or they can make arguments and support motions on behalf of their client, said Kerby.

With the goal of empowering sexual assault and sexual offense victims in the military justice system, SVCs and SVPs protect their clients’ rights by advising and advocating.

“We help them out through what’s most likely going to be the most stressful part of their entire life: after they have been sexually assaulted,” said Potter. “Some people might think we’re stopping the case from moving forward, or we’re too worried about our client and not worried enough about the case, but in my experience, if we’re worried about our clients, the case will run more smoothly.”

For more information about SVC services, contact Potter at 803-895-9350, or for more about victim resources, contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at 803-895-1928.