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SVC guides Airmen to light at tunnel's end

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sean M. Crowe
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Capt. Natasha Fitzsimmons keeps her door open and phone ready every day to welcome anyone interested in receiving counsel pertaining to sexual assault cases for Airmen, Families and Airmen's victims here at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the surrounding area.

Fitzsimmons is the Special Victims' Counsel representative for the Northeastern U.S. She provides independent legal advice for military court hearings and courts-martials involving sexual assault.

"The SVC holds a special significance to victims because it lets them know they have someone working with them and protecting their rights," said Fitzsimmons. "Victims' rights have existed for some time now, but they might not be aware of them without an advocate."

The SVC, which the Air Force founded in January 2013, recently received the Federal Service Award for dedication to assisting victims of sexual assault in the Air Force. The program's success has prompted the Department of Defense to mandate a similar program in every military service branch to assist sexual-assault victims.

"My job is to answer any questions victims may have about a case or simply let them know what their options are for pursuing a case," said Fitzsimmons.

SVC attorneys have full attorney-client privilege, meaning what is said to them cannot be disclosed without the client's permission, and adhere very strictly to privacy and confidentiality rules to discuss any concerns the clients may have with the legal process of prosecuting offenders. Clients are welcome to address a restricted report, a report which does not trigger an official investigation of the crime, without disclosure.

"We are independent of the local Judge Advocate General office and the local chain of command to avoid any interference or influence," said Fitzsimmons. "Everyone should feel free to call me or stop by my office for information about the SVC. Not every base has an SVC so sexual-assault victims at JB MDL here the privilege to take advantage of the convenience they have available to them."

Victims find the SVC through Sexual Assault Response Coordinator referrals and walk-in inquiries. Anyone interested is not limited to a time window when requesting SVC representation and can request assistance at any time throughout the legal process without fear of reprisal.

"I really enjoy meeting clients and getting to know them beyond just the facts," said Fitzsimmons. "I've seen the personal toll these crimes take on the victims and it's an honor to fight on their behalves. This job is the toughest, but also most rewarding one I've had in the Air Force."

Anyone interested in seeking more information about the SVC should call (609) 754-0552 or stop by 3011 Tuskegee Airmen Ave.