What is an SVC?

by Senior Airman Rebecca Blossom
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/28/2015 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- "What is an SVC?," asked Col. David Kumashiro, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, to a group of 24 females during a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response sensing session.

The commander thought the question would be easy to answer, yet only one person knew what the Special Victims' Counsel is or does.

"It's an evolving field of legal representation," says Capt. Kennard Keeton, Air Force SVC to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord region. "To put it simply, an SVC is an attorney who represents a victim of sexual assault and their interests alone."

An emergent resource, the Air Force SVC program was implemented Jan. 28, 2013.

Since becoming an SVC in the JBLM region, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, Keeton has represented more than thirty individuals across the globe. While an SVC may be referred to you, if one is not you may request one to represent you.

"No one who is eligible for an SVC, and requests services, goes without representation," he says. "We will go wherever our services are needed."

Those services include confidential legal advice, legal assistance, and restricted reporting without repercussions, and attending interviews, hearings, trainings, and courts-martial, with only the best interest of the victim in mind.

These services aren't necessarily the same as services from a judge advocate officer in the base legal office.

"The legal office represents the government's interest in the prosecution. Typically, the government's interest is to see justice done, and if warranted, send the offender to jail," says Keeton. "Often our interests align, but I'm advocating for my client's interests alone, which may or may not differ from what the government wants to do."

As the field grows, the scope of SVC representation expands as well, explains Lt. Col. Andrea deCamara, Air Force SVC Division chief.

"SVCs currently represent more than 30 child victims, a completely new area of practice, and the SVC Charter is being revised to make it clear that SVCs may advise and assist client-victims who have experienced retaliation," said deCamara. "The military justice landscape has evolved to ensure victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the courts-martial process.

"Our SVCs stand at the forefront of that evolution, making a difference in the lives of sexual assault victims and in the culture of our Air Force."

While the SVC program continues to develop, SVCs continue to serve as a valuable resource for Airmen who may not know what to do if they become a victim of sexual assault.

"With an SVC, the Airmen have someone they can go to, to demystify the process," says Keeton. "Someone who is familiar with, well-versed in, and has been through the process numerous times, who can help them make informed decisions, and give them back as much power as possible. You have someone fighting for you with only your interests at heart."

For more information, contact the JBLM SVC at 253-982-5210, or visit the SVC office located at 100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd, Suite 3115.