Air Force to provide new legal service to sexual assault victims

A group of basic trainees perform formation and parade drills in preparation of their graduation on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where at least 31 female recruits reported being sexually assaulted by instructors.
Cecilio Ricardo/U.S. Air Force

Published: January 5, 2013

Amid an ongoing investigation into sex-assault cases at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, the Air Force has announced a "special victims counsel" to provide legal counsel to purported victims.

The Dayton Daily News reported that the Air Force has trained 60 lawyers to deal specifically with sexual assault cases.

According to the report, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley announced the program in a letter to U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton. Turner, along with other lawmakers, pushed the Air Force to provide such a service, the report said.

“The rapist has always been entitled to counsel, but the victim had not and it was completely unjust and wrong,” the Dayton Daily News quoted Turner as saying.

In his letter to Turner, Donley was quoted as saying “These actions will ensure that legal assistance is available to sexual assault victims throughout the investigative and court-martial process consistent with the due process rights of the accused.”

Source: Dayton Daily News

Email
Print
More...

Comments Policy

Live now on the Tablet Edition

Does social media add fuel to servicemembers' degrading actions?

Despite urgent efforts by the White House, Congress and the Pentagon to address the military’s burgeoning sexual assault crisis, degrading hate speech against women remains ubiquitous in the military — and it’s as close as the nearest computer screen.
Improved grenade design on the way

Troops can soon look forward to small improvements, even a possible complete redesign, of the fragmentation hand grenade.
Gallery

Wandering through Sicily with an eye for awe

A photo essay explores the charm of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Latest Blog Postings

Stripes Central

Fort Bliss gets on the microgrid, an energy first for DOD

The Army flipped the switch on an advanced power system at Fort Bliss Thursday, taking a step towards the Pentagon's goal to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its military bases around the world.
Stripes Central

Blue Star Families survey shows stress over finances, deployments

A by-the-numbers look at the annual survey, which surveys troops and their spouses about the successes and challenges they see while serving
Europe Traveler

Catch a Middle Ages festival on Pentacost weekend

Feel like a step back in time? Middle Ages festivals are scheduled in several German cities from Saturday, May 18, through Monday, May 20.
Spouse Calls

Less talk, more action

Pentagon programs and officials need to translate good intentions and policies into meaningful action for military families.
Spouse Calls

Q&A with a council member

Marine Corps spouse serving on the DOD Military Family Readiness Council answers questions about the purpose, actions and accomplishments of the council.
Pacific Sportsblog

Far East high school track and field meet record endangered species list

We’ve gazed at possible Pacific track records; what records will fall at the Far East meet at Yokota?

Most Read
E-mailed
Hot Topics

Victims: Marines failed to safeguard water supply May 18, 2013
Marine daughter seeks dignity for ‘Devil Dog pups’ May 18, 2013
Navy commander relieved of duty due to 'inappropriate' emails May 17, 2013
An unexpected surprise at woman's boot camp graduation May 18, 2013
Fate of US bases depends on Afghanistan’s ability to secure, operate them May 18, 2013
A-10s leaving Spangdahlem marks end of an era in Europe May 18, 2013
Marine who dumped toxins felt illness was payback May 18, 2013
Does social media add fuel to servicemembers' degrading actions? May 18, 2013
Navy dolphins discover rare old torpedo off Calif. coast near Coronado May 18, 2013
Marine, dog reunited in surprise ceremony May 17, 2013

‘What is racial profiling?’ 01:29 May 12, 2010
Pacific Scoreboard for the April 10 edition 01:16 May 12, 2010
A night for St. Nick as Nancy, France, hosts its Christmas parade 14:23 May 11, 2010
Pacific Spotlight: Jacqueline Scott 00:12 May 12, 2010
Camp Foster Marine guilty of lies, theft 00:02 May 12, 2010
JROTC cadets vie for honors in Far East Drill 23:23 May 11, 2010
New flight carry-on regulations for South Korea 23:17 May 11, 2010
DOD lobbies Congress for money to encourage enlistment 17:42 May 11, 2010
Curfew eased for servicemembers in Japan 00:16 February 14, 2013
Pacific Scoreboard: Jan. 15, 2013 10:01 January 17, 2013

Graduation Tab
Book Club
Attention Shoppers

Graduation Tab

Don’t miss your chance to send your favorite grad a note of congratulations, printed in the pages of Stars and Stripes’ keepsake publication. The deadline for submissions is May 23rd.