Capt. Marc Tilney has worked in Quantico’s Legal Services Support Section as a prosecutor, a legal assistance attorney and a regional civil law officer. Now, he is the base’s — and the National Capital Region’s — first victim’s legal counsel.

On Aug. 14, the Secretary of Defense directed each service to set up a victim legal advocacy program to represent victims of sexual assault during legal proceedings. The Marine Corps stood up four regional offices on Nov. 1, including the one at Quantico, and they are to be fully operational by Jan. 1.

“This is groundbreaking because now there’s a third party in the court martial system,” Tilney said. “We’re an independent organization specifically created to represent victims of sexual assault.”

His office is separate from the defense and the prosecution, concerned only with representing the interests of the victim. His role is to provide victims with an overview of the military justice system, help them understand their options and ensure that their rights and privileges are not violated.

Tilney said he can represent victims throughout the legal process, in their business with their commands and law enforcement, as well as the courts.

The Victim’s Legal Counsel Organization reports directly to the commandant’s staff judge advocate.

“The significance of victims having their own legal representation in the military justice system is tremendous,” said Cherrone Hester, sexual assault prevention and response coordinator for the base and the National Capital Region, in an email. “The more information and resources that we can provide to military victims of sexual assault, the more control they have in a process that directly affects every aspect of their lives.”

For example, she said, if victims have concerns about collateral misconduct like underage drinking or any other violation, the VLC can help them protect their best interests.

Hester emphasized that legal counsel supplements but does not replace existing services offered by her office, the Family Advocacy Program, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, the Victim Advocacy Program and the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, as well as services provided by the chaplains and medical personnel.

Tilney is still part of the Legal Services Support Section, but his new office is next to the Marine Corps Community Services Family Advocacy Program office in Cox Hall at Camp Barrett. The office has a staff of three, including Tilney, an auxiliary VLC and a noncommissioned officer in charge. A fourth staff member is expected to join them early next year, but he said the size and scope of the organization will be adjusted depending on its caseload.

All the present staff comes from Quantico’s LSSS offices, but Tilney said future VLCs may come to Quantico from other commands.

 VLCs had to complete a certified victim’s advocacy course, and all are required to have experience handling sexual assault cases.

In addition to the four regional offices, VLC offices also opened at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. In 2014, additional offices will be established at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

— Writer: mdicicco@quanticosentryonline.com