What is an SVC?
A Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) and Special Victims’ Paralegal (SVP) team provides legal representation for sexual assault survivors. SVCs must be requested by the victim and are granted in cases where the person requesting services meets eligibility criteria, or when exceptional circumstances warrant the provision of services.
The Special Victims' Counsel and Special Victims' Paralegal will vigorously defend your rights to privacy, respect, and confidentiality. The SVC team can advocate for your rights and interests to your Chain of Command, law enforcement, and throughout the Military Justice process.
Who does the SVC Work for? YOU!
SVC/SVP teams have an independent Chain of Command at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Differences between Unrestricted and Restricted Reporting:
Restricted: is confidential, does not trigger an investigation or command involvement, and allows the victim to access THESE supportive service options:
- Advocacy Services (support, information, referral, and accompaniment)
- Medical/Counseling Services
- Special Victims’ Counsel
A victim can choose to convert a Restricted Report to Unrestricted at any time. However, once an Unrestricted Report is made, the restricted option is no longer available.
Unrestricted: starts an official law enforcement investigation, enlists the support of the chain of command, and provides a victim with access to ALL supportive service options:
- Advocacy Services (support, information, referral, and accompaniment)
- Medical/Counseling Services
- Victims' Legal Counsel
- Law Enforcement Notification/Investigation
- Command Notification/Support
- Military Protective Order
- Expedited Transfer
How can you request an SVC?
- Contact your local SVC, SARC/SAPR Office, Family Advocacy, or Legal Office (Legal Office is only an option for Unrestricted cases.)
- SVC (805) 606-1521
- SARC: (310) 653-7272
- Restricted reports–go to the SVC/SARC/FAP to ensure the report remains confidential
Your Local SVC Team:
SVCs, like Area Defense Counsel (ADCs) are assigned based on availability. This means that your local SVC team will not always be assigned to your case; however, your local team can always provide information and training, and receive and process requests for services. The Special Victims' Counsel and Special Victims’ Paralegal team stationed at Vandenberg AFB serves Vandenberg AFB, March ARB, Los Angeles AFB, Edwards AFB and the surrounding areas of Central and Southern California.
What We do for Sexual Assault Survivors:
Represent YOU and YOU ALONE
Provide CONFIDENTIAL legal advice
Protect YOUR rights & privacy interests
Advise YOU on the Investigation & Prosecution
Attend interviews with YOU
Attend Hearings & Courts-Martial with YOU
Provide case-related Legal Assistance (in personal, civil matters)
Location:
The Special Victims’ Counsel Office is located in Building 10525 on Vandenberg Air Force Base with the Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR), Equal Opportunity (EO) and Inspector General (IG) Offices, next to Headquarters and across from the Pacific Coast Club.
Helpful Numbers:
Vandenberg AFB
- SARC: (805) 606-7272
- Mental Health: (805) 606-2273
- Chaplain: (805) 606-5573
March ARB
- SARC: (951) 655-7272
- Mental Health: (951) 655-2773
- Chaplain: (951) 655-4105
Edwards AFB
- SARC: (661) 277-7272
- Mental Health: (661) 275-2725
- Chaplain: (661) 277-4310
Los Angeles AFB
- SARC: (310) 653-7272
- Mental Health: (310) 633-6653
- Chaplain: (310) 653-5080