On August 14, 2013, the Minister of Defence directed that each service immediately establish a victim legal representation program to provide legal advice and representation to victims of sexual assault. It requested that each service have its first operational capability by 1 November 2013 and full legal representation for victims by 1 January 2014. The Marine Corps Victims` Legal Counsel Organization (VLCO) was established on November 1, 2013 with four VLCO regional offices linked to each of the four Legal Services Support Sections (LSSS), LSSS West, Eastern, Pacific and National Capital Region (NCR). Today, there are VLCO offices at MCB Quantico, Camp Lejeune, MCRD Parris Island, MCAS Cherry Point, MCB Camp Pendleton, MCAGCC 29 Palms, MCAS Miramar, MCB Hawaii and Camp Butler, Okinawa. Congress recently recognized a special counsel for victims under 10 U.S.C. § 1044e. VLC will refer victims to defence, legal assistance and/or civilian resources where appropriate VLCO services complement and do not replace existing victim support services, including support currently provided by VWAP, SAPR, FAP, SARC and victim advocates. A victim of sexual assault is informed and given the opportunity to contact a VVC once they receive assistance from a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), a Sexual Assault Prevention and Intervention Program (SARS) or a Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Victim Advocate, a Military Criminal Investigator, a person or a victim-witness liaison coordinator or a litigator. 10 U.S.C. §1565b. VLCO-West continues to support victims during this pandemic. Michelle Hockenbury Paralegal Specialist Victims` Legal Counsel Office-West MCAGCC, MAGTFTC, Twentynine Palms, CA MCAS YUMA, Yuma, AZ 928-269-5583 Legal advice and advice to victims of crime under the UCMJ VLC provides victims with insight into the military justice system, including: crime investigations; the roles and responsibilities of the convening authority, council, council and investigators; the purpose of the section 32 hearing (also known as a pre-trial conference); the dismissal and referral of charges; test methods; and evidentiary issues. Marine Corps VLCs are legal judges who are highly qualified lawyers with extensive military experience, who have completed a certified victim advocacy course, and who must be selected through a “sensitive selection process.” The chain of command of the AGV is functionally independent of the convening authorities, the lawyers of the staff judges, the LSSS-OIC, the litigators and the defence lawyers.

VLC are under the supervision and reporting of the OIC, VLCO, which reports directly to the Staff Judge Advocate of the Marine Corps Commander • SARC • Mental Health • Community Counselling Services • Medical Services (SAFE-kit Full Report) CA is a mandated reporting state • Victim/Witness Assistance Program VLC helps victims understand legal options, including: obtaining military protection orders and injunctions; Restricted or non-restricted reporting of sexual assault; and obtaining testimony or transactional immunity from collateral misconduct before testifying against the defendant in the case. Privileged and confidential communication with a VLC lawyer dedicated to protecting your interests in the military justice process Marine Corps VLC are highly qualified judge lawyers with extensive experience in military justice, who have completed a certified victim representation course and must be selected through a “sensitive selection process”. GENERAL INFORMATION •VLCO services are primarily intended for serving military members and active duty reservists who are victims of sexual assault. However, eligible victims of other crimes that violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) may also seek the assistance of a victim counsel (VLC) under 10 U.S.C. § 1044 and JAGINST 5800.7F (JAGMAN). • A victim of sexual assault is informed and given the opportunity to contact a VLC once they receive assistance from a Sexual Assault Intervention Coordinator (SARC), a Sexual Assault Prevention and Intervention Program (RPS) or a Victim Advocate from the Family Advocacy Program (PAF), a Military Criminal Investigator, a person or a victim-witness liaison coordinator, or a litigator. 10 U.S.C. § 1565b.

• Marine Corps VLC are attorney judges who are highly qualified attorneys with extensive military justice experience, have completed a certified victim defense course, and must be selected through a “sensitive selection process.” The chain of command of the AGV is functionally independent of the convening authorities, the lawyers of the staff judges, the LSSS-OIC, the litigators and the defence lawyers.