NAVY VICTIMS LEGAL COUNSEL PROGRAM

SOUTHEAST

MISSION
To provide legal services to eligible victims of sexual assault.

We represent the Individual. VLCP JAGs function as an independent command, separate from commanders, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.

If you are a victim of sexual assault and have legal questions that are connected to the sexual assault, please contact your local Victims Legal Counsel (VLC) for a confidential meeting to discuss your concerns and receive advice and assistance from a VLC

Local VLC: LCDR Patrick Kordy, JAGC, USN RM 1104, Building 1, NS Mayport Comm: (904) 270-5191, Ext. 1213 Email: Patrick.korody@navy.mil

For more information please contact installation SARC at 817-825-6347/Marcia.r.marshall@navy.mil or Victim advocate at renee.reed@navy.mil

On May 6, 2013 Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel directed that all services strengthen the SAPR program in commander accountability, command climate, victim advocacy and safety. Secretary Hagel had several new initiatives which he unveiled, one included creation of a legal advocacy program to provide legal representation to sexual assault victims throughout the judicial process. He set Nov. 1, 2013, as an initial operating capacity for this and for it to be fully functional by Jan. 1, 2014. (see attached Flyer) For more information please contact installation SARC 817-782-6347. Another initiative was to have all of our military SARCs and VAs certified by 1 Oct 2013 The Department of Defense has successfully launched the DoD Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) and has certified over 22,000 applicants. D-SAACP applicants are military and DoD-civilian Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates (SAPR VAs) who serve as first responders to coordinate care and provide advocacy services to victims of sexual assault. The certification of SARCs and SAPR VAs will help improve the quality of support victims receive. Each application consists of a commander's recommendation, an acknowledgement of adherence to a professional code of ethics, and proof of training. A review committee comprised of civilian sexual assault and victim advocacy experts reviews each application and grants D-SAACP certification to successful applicants. Certification is valid for two years, after which certified SARCs and SAPR VAs can reapply with updated letters of recommendation and proof of continuing education, among other requirements. Continuing education will be determined and approved by the certifying body. A third and innovative initiative came as a response to a need for peer support services identified by users of the Defense Department's Safe Helpline for military sexual assault survivors. DoD has launched the Safe HelpRoom, a new service allowing survivors to participate in group chat sessions to connect with and support one another in a moderated and secure online environment at SafeHelpline.org. Safe HelpRoom is a revolutionary development in the Department's commitment to support military victims of sexual assault. Survivors of sexual assault voiced that being able to discuss their concerns with peers can provide a level of support that is not normally available. Peer support groups have been known to help survivors feel less lonely, isolated or judged. An online forum can help survivors overcome barriers that are present. Safe HelpRoom gives survivors a secure and private environment. Safe HelpRoom sessions are available twice weekly in two-hour sessions and the session schedule can be found at SafeHelpline.org. It is free, anonymous and available anywhere via the internet. As part of the Safe Helpline, victims can access support services by "click, call or text." This anonymous and confidential resource is free and can be accessed worldwide, 24-hours a day, to connect with live sexual assault support professionals. Marcia Marshall NAS Fort Worth JRB SARC