National Guard Special Victims’ Counsel (SVCs) are judge advocates who are specially trained to zealously represent the interests of Air and Army National Guard victims throughout the investigative and military justice processes.
National Guard SVC’s mission is to provide confidential legal representation to individuals eligible for SVC representation who are victims of an alleged sex-related offense or domestic violence offense under 10 U.S.C. 1044e and Pub. L. 116-92 respectively. SVC representation for victims of sexual harassment may be provided, on a case-by-case basis, by exception. You may request to speak with an SVC at any time during the legal, medical, or investigative process.
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
- 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 by the information above, you may apply for an "Exception to Policy," which will be reviewed by the Chief, National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel.
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 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 Office of Special Victims' Counsel to request services.