The U.S. Army has developed the Special Victim Counsel Program to protect the rights of sexual assault victims. Special victims' counsels are specially trained military attorneys, duty-bound to work for no one but the victim. The military now requires that victims reporting an assault be notified of their right to consult with a special victims' counsel and of the availability of other legal assistance at the time they report a sexual assault. Also, no one in a victim's chain of command or the accused's chain of command may influence a special victims' counsel in providing legal support to a victim. Members who have been affected by sexual assault can access 24/7, confidential, anonymous support through the DOD Safe Helpline by calling 877-995-5247.
For more Army news, visit the Military.com Army section. For more news related to sexual assault in the military, visit the Military.com Sexual Assault section.
