TOPSTORY>>SAPR: Special victims’ counsel

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Being a victim of sexual assault takes its toll on the victim in many different ways. Stress and severe degrees of vulnerability are only two of many effects a victim of sexual assault may face. Recognizing the need for direct support to these service members, the Air Force Special Victim’s Council has been established to assist these victims by providing independent, confidential legal advice and support.

At Little Rock Air ForceBase, Ark., the Air Force SVC has undertaken the responsibility of helping Airmen who have become victims of sexual assault. With the help of the SVC, victims of sexual assault are provided guidance and support as well as someone to speak on their behalf.

“It is a huge responsibility,” said Capt. Lauren Rosenblatt, 19th Airlift Wing SVC. “Representing those who may not be in a position to speak for themselves is exactly the change and difference I hoped to be a part of when I decided to go to law school.”

The SVC program, which is headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland consists of 24 SVCs. The 24 SVCs are located throughout bases in the U.S., Alaska, Europe and Asia.

Because of the infancy of the program, the team of SVCs is still small and must stretch their capabilities throughout the Air Force wisely. They are regionally-based and the Air Force is working diligently to expand the program.

Full-time SVCs are assigned only to SVC positions and are not required to perform additional duties of the base legal office. This provides more time for the SVCs to focus on their clients and assist without constraint or a conflict of interest with their chain of command.

The SVC is there to provide advice on the investigation and military justice process, protect victims’ rights, and empower victims by removing barriers to their full participation in the legal process. The SVC could possibly be the bridge between a victim of sexual assault and their understanding of the process and eventually their long recovery process after the occurrence.

Rosenblatt said that ensuring a victim knows what to expect and informing them of the challenges and obstacles that lay ahead for them often helps them conquer their fears and worries. She expressed how privileged she feels to represent the men, women and dependents who are looking for her guidance.

“These are people who are experiencing what may be the most traumatic and difficult time in their life and placing their trust in me,” said Rosenblatt. “It is an honor to represent them.”

Special victims’ councils provide the information desired about the justice process, available resources and challenges particular to each individual victim. The SVCs also take it one step further by having the ability to advocate for their clients.

Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Harding, Judge-Advocate General of the Air Force, adds to this concept by expressing the importance of standing by the victim through the duration of the process.

“We believe that if victims know there is somebody on their side as they go through this complicated process that can be very exhausting at times, we’ll see more victims come forward,” said Harding.

The SVC provides many opportunities for victims of sexual assault to get advice, help and someone to rely on. Calling your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator if you feel you are a victim is the first step down the right path to recovering from a sexual assault.

For more information on the Sexual Assault and Prevention Response program or to get in touch with your SARC or SVC, call (501) 987-7272.