National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel provides legal advocacy when victims need it most

Official Statements

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “ARLINGTON, Va. — For victims of sexual assault or domestic violence, one of the hardest questions can be what to do next. Understanding their rights, deciding whether to report and navigating unfamiliar legal processes can feel overwhelming. However, National Guard members do not have to navigate the process alone. A team of attorneys, paralegals and support professionals with the National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel, or SVC, stands ready to help, guiding eligible Soldiers, Airmen and dependents, explaining their rights, military legal processes and advocating on their behalf.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “The office provides legal representation at no cost to eligible victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. "We are a military-provided, completely free service for eligible victims,” said U.S. Army Col. Donna Ridgel, the former chief of the National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel. Some victims contact the office before deciding whether to make an unrestricted report, wanting to understand their rights and options first. Others are referred after speaking with a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, chaplain, commander or military investigator.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: "We don't advocate for what we believe is best for the client," said Ridgel. "We advocate specifically for what the client wants. We are the client's advocates specifically toward their goals." Ridgel said attorneys help clients navigate military justice and administrative processes from the initial report through the final disposition of a case. They explain what the process means, what the client's role is and what rights they have, then advocate for what the client wants.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “Attorneys can prepare clients for interviews with investigators, explain what to expect, and accompany them when needed. They may also advocate for transfers, help clients access mental health or medical resources, or assist with other matters related to their case. "We sort of serve as a buffer," Ridgel said. "Here's what's really going to happen. Here's what typically happens. Here's what we expect." Some victims delay reaching out because they do not realize that SVC services are provided at no cost, she said.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: "We've had people come forward who said, 'I would've called sooner, but I couldn't afford it, and I just found out I don't have to pay for it,'" Ridgel said. Confidentiality can be another concern. Ridgel said some victims don't ask questions because they worry information they share will be passed on. Conversations with the office remain privileged, even if someone ultimately declines services or isn't eligible for representation. "Everything that a victim tells us, those conversations are still privileged," Ridgel said.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: "We don't divulge any information, and we are not mandatory reporters." National Guard members often don't live near military installations, but Ridgel said her team adapts to that reality by meeting clients wherever they are. In addition to providing privileged counsel, the SVC also offers flexible options to meet with victims. "We do FaceTime, we text with them, we call them on the phone," Ridgel said. "We also seek out and respect times when they want us to be there in person."

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “The first person a client speaks with may not be an attorney. Paralegals and headquarters staff field requests for assistance, determine eligibility, assign attorneys and connect clients with the resources they need. Ridgel said every member of the office plays a role in supporting victims throughout the process. New attorneys complete specialized certification before representing clients and continue developing through mentoring and professional education.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “Ridgel said the office also looks for attorneys who possess the integrity, compassion and professionalism needed to represent victims during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. “These specialized attorneys and paralegals are the heart of this program,” she said. “Their commitment, dedication, and expertise are often unseen, but their tireless efforts have a lasting and far-reaching positive impact on their clients and the National Guard.” Reaching National Guard members who may need those services remains a challenge.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “Ridgel said some Guard members and lower-level leaders don't know the SVC program exists or don't fully understand what the office can do. "They don't need to know what they need help with," Ridgel said. "They just need to ask for help. And if they ask for help, we can get them where they need to go." Eligible National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and dependents seeking legal assistance related to sexual assault or domestic violence can contact the National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel directly.”

• National Guard Bureau, November 13: “Services are provided at no cost, and individuals do not need to know what type of legal assistance they need before reaching out. Call or text 571-329-4986 or email ngb.svc@army.mil.”