
Resources for Victims
Resources for Victims

Human trafficking crimes and violations often result in victims. One case can have a single victim or multiple victims. In the Department of Defense, the last decade has witnessed a heightened interest in the rights and needs of victims and survivors. DoD has policy guidance to assign responsibilities and procedures and program standards to providing victim assistance.

Bookmark the Links!
As you select and review the Victim Assistance resources linked on this page, be sure to Bookmark and save the web pages and resources you might find helpful in the future!

DoD also offers separate and distinct programs for victim assistance.

Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
A Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) Provider is available to assist eligible victims with exercising their federally mandated rights and with navigating the criminal justice system. VWAPs also provide information on services and resources, and they interact with lawyers and commanders. VWAPs help ensure the victim's situation is respected, that victims have a voice in the process and that victims are kept informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution.
To locate your Victim/Witness Assistance Provider, you should contact your local installation's office of the Staff Judge Advocate or Judge Advocate General.
Special Victim Counsel/Victim Legal Counsel/Victim Counsel (SVC/VLC/VC Overview)
SVC/VLC/VCs are military attorneys who provide eligible victims with confidential legal advice, representation, and assistance with exercising their rights throughout the investigative and justice process. Communication with these attorneys is protected and cannot be shared with anyone. Victims may consult with an SVC/VLC/VC prior to making a report of sexual assault. SVC/VLC/VCs are personal lawyers, not the prosecutor or defense attorney. The Army, National Guard, and Coast Guard refer to these professionals as Special Victims' Counsel (SVC), while the Navy and Marine Corps have labeled them Victims' Legal Counsel (VLC) and the Air Force names them Victims’ Counsel (VC). These lawyers have experience trying cases in both military and civilian trials. They understand the legal process and guide victims as an alleged offender is brought to trial.
For more information, view the DoD’s policy (DTM 14-003) regarding legal support for military victims of sexual assault.
Dedicated Victim Response Personnel:
SARCs are installation resources who provide confidential support and coordinate care for victims of sexual assault throughout the investigation and recovery process. SAPR VAs are advocates who provide one-on-one, confidential support, education, and resources to a victim of sexual assault under the supervision of a SARC. SARCs and VAs have victim-advocate confidentiality under MRE 514 and are D-SAACP credentialed under the National Organization for Victim Assistance.
SARCs and VAs can be reached from anywhere around the world via the DoD Safe Helpline.

DoD Family Advocacy Program
The Family Advocacy Program, or FAP, is the Defense Department program designated to address child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. FAP is delivered through the military services, which work in coordination with key military components and civilian agencies.
- If you want to learn more about FAP services ─ or need to make a report of domestic abuse or child abuse and neglect ─ use the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator to find help near you.
- DoD Military OneSource
Military Chaplains
Military chaplains are responsible for tending to the spiritual and moral well-being of service members and their families. Their responsibilities include performing religious rites, conducting worship services and providing confidential counseling.
These chaplains are commissioned officers stationed wherever there are military members, including in combat environments. They have an important role in the commander’s program for operational stress control.
Chaplain team responsibilities
The chaplain team includes chaplain assistants and religious program specialists. Both are enlisted personnel. The team’s obligations to service members and their families include:
- Conducting worship and administering sacraments
- Performing other religious ceremonies and services
- Developing religious education programs and religious youth activities
- Conducting seminars and retreats
- Accompanying service members into combat
- Providing combat stress support
- Advising commanders on religious and moral matters
- Counseling service members and their families
Chaplains are not typically licensed clinical counselors. However, they adhere to absolute confidentiality and are prepared to help people with many life challenges, including:
- Work-related issues
- Combat stress
- Deployment
- Marriage and family
- Substance abuse
- Grief
- Finances
Find contact information for your installation chaplain on your installation website or by visiting MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. Select “Chapels” in the program or service section.
CATCH: Catch A Serial Offender Program
The CATCH program allows victims of sexual assault the opportunity to anonymously submit suspect information to military criminal investigators to help the DoD identify serial offenders. To make a CATCH entry, victims of sexual assault can contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA).