National Guard Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) are judge advocates that are specially trained to zealously represent the interests of Air and Army National Guard victims throughout investigatory and military justice processes.
The mission of an SVC is to provide confidential legal representation to individuals eligible for military legal assistance under 10 U.S.C. 1044 and Department of Defense civilian employees who are victims of an alleged sex-related offense or domestic violence offense. SVC representation for victims of sexual harassment may be provided, on a case-by-case basis by exception, for personnel eligible for legal assistance under 10 U.S.C. 1044.
SVC’s primary duty is to the victim; to empower victims. Victims may feel anger, frustration, or fear as a result of their experience and SVCs are prepared to help victims through this process and ensure that clients understand their rights (pursuant to 10 U.S. Code § 806b - Art. 6b) and options within the he National Guard, other DoD agencies and the military justice process so that they can make informed decisions. The scope of an SVC’s representation is governed by federal law and policy, ethics rules, and procedural guidance.
SVCs establish an attorney-client relationship with clients and communications between an SVC and a client are treated as confidential and privileged. No one in a victim's chain of command or the accused’s chain of command will influence an SVC in providing legal support to a victim.
SVC services are available to:
- National Guard Members on T10 or T32 AGR/ADOS
- Retirees (entitled to retired or retainer pay or equivalent pay)
- National Guard Members in a T32 status (Inactive Duty Training, Drill Weekend, Annual Training, State Active Duty) if the offense was committed during a period in which the individual served on such status or if there is a nexus between the alleged offense and the NG member’s military service pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1044e
- Immediate family members (dependents) of National Guard members and retirees who are eligible for legal assistance pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1044, Legal Assistance Program
- DoD civilian employees who are eligible for legal assistance pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1044
If you do not meet the criteria to be eligible for services provided the information above, you may apply for an "Exception to Policy" which will be reviewed by the NG SVC Program Manager.
For a non-exclusive list of SVC services, click here.
To make a request for an SVC, victims may contact the National Guard Special Victims’ Counsel Program directly or they can contact any Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), Chaplain, or Military Law Enforcement officer to connect them to the National Guard Special Victims’ Counsel Program to request services.