The Department of the Navy established the VLCP to promote and protect the legal rights and interests of a victim of a sexual offense or domestic violence. The VLC Program is an independent, world-wide organization that assigns specially trained military attorneys (JAG officers known as VLCs) to represent and provide legal services to eligible victims of a sexual offense or domestic violence. Legal services are provided free of charge to eligible victims.

Victims of covered offenses who are:

• Navy active duty
• Navy reservists
• Navy retirees
• Other active duty service members
• Navy dependents (spouses and children)
• Some overseas DON civilians when the offense is committed by an active-duty Navy service member.

Victims not specifically identified above who are seeking VLC consultation shall be referred to the nearest VLC Office for an eligibility determination.

Sexual offenses and/or domestic violence, including:

• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Contact
• Assault
• Wrongful Broadcast of Intimate Images
• Stalking
• Other qualifying sexual or domestic violence offenses

If you are asking yourself this question, you probably should speak to a VLC to make an informed decision as to whether you would benefit from VLC representation. After a one-on-one consult with a VLC, you may decide that you do not need representation. On the other hand, you may discover that VLC representation fits your needs. Either way, you are equipped to make the best decision for your individual needs.

VLC are independent and their sole legal and ethical obligation is to provide legal services to clients. This independence means that no one in your (or your sponsor’s) chain of command or the chain of command of the person who assaulted you will influence VLC representation of your interests.

You don’t need to make any report to receive services from the VLCP. You may speak to a VLC about a decision to make a report of a sexual offense or domestic violence to military or civilian authorities. However, if you choose not to make a report or make a restricted report of a sexual offense, the scope of legal services that can be provided to you will likely be limited.

The sole mission of the VLCP is to provide legal services, including advice and legal representation, to eligible victims of a sexual offense or domestic violence. The range of services extends from discussing the legal ramifications of making a report of sexual assault, a sexual offense, or domestic violence to representing clients at courts-martial where necessary to promote and protect our client’s legal rights and interests. VLC routinely assist clients through the investigation and court-martial processes, provide legal advice related to any possible collateral misconduct such as underage drinking, fraternization, or orders violations, and assist clients in exercising legal rights such as seeking an expedited transfer or protective orders.

Yes. As your attorney, a VLC is generally prohibited from revealing information related to client communications without your permission.

In addition to your right to assistance from a VLC, you have the following rights as a victim:

• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.
• The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of public hearings on the continuation of pretrial confinement of the accused; Article 32 hearings; courts-martial proceedings; public clemency and parole board hearings; and the release or escape of the accused, unless such notice may endanger the safety of any person.
• The right to reasonably confer with the attorney for the government in any of the above proceedings.
• The right not to be excluded from any public hearing or proceeding, unless the military judge or investigating officer determines by clear and convincing evidence that your testimony would be materially altered.
• The right to be reasonably heard at public hearing on the continuation of pretrial confinement of the accused; sentencing hearings; and public clemency and parole board hearings.
• The right to receive restitution as provided in law.
• The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

You can directly contact your nearest VLCP office, or you can ask your Victim Advocate (VA), Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provider, military criminal investigator, or Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) prosecutor to forward your information to the nearest VLCP office on your behalf.

VLC work closely with SARCs, VAs and FAP providers to best support and provide services to victims of a sexual offense or domestic violence. However, the VLC are primarily focused on providing legal services.

VLCP offices are strategically located to provide legal services worldwide. If a local VLC is not available, legal services can be provided over the phone, via email, or using video conferencing technology. Please contact your nearest VLCP office; a list of offices can be found at Victims’ Legal Counsel Program (VLCP).