The Navy Choose Advocate Normal’s (JAG) Corps commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Navy Victims’ Authorized Counsel Program (VLCP) founding throughout a ceremony aboard the Washington Navy Yard on Sept. 29. VLCP – which offers authorized providers to survivors of sexual offenses or home violence – was first established through the summer season of 2013.
“All through the previous decade, VLCP has been on the forefront of sufferer advocacy, tirelessly championing warfighter and civilian purchasers’ rights at each step within the navy justice course of, whereas concurrently increasing the boundaries of sufferer authorized illustration, each in and outdoors the courtroom,” mentioned Rear Adm. David G. Wilson, commander of Naval Authorized Service Command, which oversees this system. “VLCP has helped the Navy fulfill its promise to guard its most dear asset – resilient and combat-ready Sailors.”
The birthday ceremony included VLCP staff members – choose advocates, civilian authorized consultants, and yeoman – in addition to different JAG Corps personnel, and it featured remarks and a cake reducing. Wilson, alongside VLCP Chief Capt. Daniel Cimmino, mirrored upon VLCP’s accomplishments through the previous 10 years and the myriad methods this system has superior Sailor and Fleet readiness.
In August 2013, then-Secretary of Protection Chuck Hagel directed the respective chiefs of the navy providers to, “set up a victims’ advocacy program finest fitted to that Service that gives authorized recommendation and illustration to the sufferer all through the justice course of.” The directive centered on addressing the beforehand unmet authorized wants of “eligible sexual assault victims.”
Within the following months, the Navy JAG Corps constructed a powerful basis for VLCP, establishing a transparent mission, assembling a cohesive organizational construction, creating sound insurance policies and practices, and buying and coaching personnel with the required credentials and capabilities for this important work.
Initially comprised of solely 30 lively responsibility and Reserve attorneys in 23 areas, VLCP has since expanded right into a flourishing enterprise of 48 attorneys, 10 yeoman, and 6 civilian paralegals stationed at 28 areas across the globe, together with places of work within the U.S., Japan, Guam, Italy, Spain, and Bahrain. Along with its intensive development in personnel, VLCP expanded eligibility for its providers in 2020 to incorporate victims of home violence.
So far, VLCP has supplied devoted authorized illustration to greater than 8,000 purchasers, which incorporates lively and Reserve service members, retirees, and dependents. It has delivered round the clock, free-of-charge help, serving to victims perceive the investigation and navy justice processes, guarding their authorized rights and pursuits, and connecting them to sources that advance their restoration.
“The members of the VLCP staff – at this time, and in years previous – symbolize the most effective of the JAG Corps and the broader Navy. These expert professionals have been trustworthy stewards of the regulation, and helped guarantee good order and self-discipline throughout the Fleet,” mentioned Cimmino. “I’m each happy with how far VLCP has come and excited for the way forward for this exemplary program.”
Through the previous decade, VLCP’s accomplishments have been plentiful. This system has revamped Navy directions associated to expedited transfers, administrative separations, and navy protecting orders. It
has carefully collaborated with particular victims’ counsel from different navy branches to reassess and improve victims’ rights and providers throughout the Division of Protection. VLCP personnel have dealt with authorized points with nationwide implications, from submitting an amicus temporary with the U.S. Supreme Court docket, to proposing legislative and coverage modifications, to advocating extensively for the safety of victims’ non-public medical data.
To be taught extra about VLCP – together with workplace areas and solutions to ceaselessly requested questions – go to https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal-services/vlc/.
To be taught extra concerning the Navy JAG Corps and Naval Authorized Service Command – and the authorized help they ship to the Fleet, in addition to Sailors and their households – go to https://www.jag.navy.mil/.
