Air Force Pilot Program to Help Victims of Sexual Assault Published Jan. 14, 2013 By Senior Airman Wesley Wright 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Members of the 442nd Fighter Wing will soon have a new tool for dealing with the legal processes that occur if they are a victim of sexual assault. The special victims' counsel program is intended to give legal aid to victims of sexual assault and provide them with specially trained lawyers who will handle their case. "It should help in the healing process," said Lt. Col. Jeffery B. Morris, 442nd Fighter Wing staff judge advocate. "I hope no 442nd member is ever in need of a special victims' counsel, but if that is the case, it is going to provide extra assistance to help them through a very difficult time in their life." Being under the microscope during legal proceedings can cause distress in the victim and possibly cause them to drop charges, and even blame themselves. "It can be pretty harsh to go through the legal process," Morris said. "Especially if the crime is of a really personal nature. Sometimes people can feel revictimized by the legal process. Because it can take a long time, they might not understand what is happening and it can reopen old injuries." Sixty specially trained attorneys will be placed across the Air Force to assist victims with the process, said Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the Air Force judge advocate general. Harding said the attorneys have received focused training from both military and civilian experts. The training also covers practical examples of cases they might encounter in the field. Harding said he sees a three-step process to providing assistance to victims. "First we will begin offering victims services with counsel in existing legal offices starting on Jan. 28. The program will provide an information-sharing network to build upon 'best practices.' Second, we expect to standup a new, independent organization similar to the structure of our area defense counsel with additional manpower this summer. And third, as we gain experience, we will continue to refine and improve our rules of practice and our training curriculum." Harding said a program to meet the needs of sexual victims is long overdue, and he thinks this new program will go a long way in supporting victims and their rights while at the same time giving due process to the accused. "Prosecutors represent the government, and even though the interests of the government and victims frequently align, prosecutors are unable to provide legal representation to victims. Because of the unfamiliarity with the criminal and military justice process, victims can feel overwhelmed with lengthy interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors and defense counsel. Special Victims' Counsel will help them understand the importance of separate interviews with different personnel in the military justice process and help protect their privacy and prevent unnecessary disclosure of intimate details. If you are a victim of sexual assault, the Special Victims' Counsel is your attorney -- you have complete attorney-client confidentiality and they will zealously advocate on your behalf." For questions on special victims counsel, you can contact the 442nd JAG at 660-687-3756, or the 509th JAG office at 660-687-6809.