.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2013
Contact: Brian Purchia, , brian@protectourdefenders.com
*** PRESS RELEASE ***
PROTECT OUR DEFENDERS FILES AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF AIR FORCE SPECIAL VICTIMS COUNSEL PROGRAM; CALLS ON PRESIDENT OBAMA AND SEC. HAGEL TO SUPPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS RIGHTS TO AN ATTORNEY
Air Force courts deny victims of sexual assault representation to protect their privacy rights; Air Force’s Special Victims Counsel Program that offers new hope to victims under attack
Washington DC – In recent weeks, Americans have watched in horror as new military sexual abuse scandals have broken almost daily. New reports from the Pentagon show the epidemic is getting worse and victims say they are more afraid than ever to come forward.In response, President Obama has called the epidemic an “outrage” and told victims that he has their “backs.” However, military sexual assault victims’ basic rights are under attack. Two Air Force courts, a trial court and an appellate court, have refused to allow a sexual assault victim’s appointed attorney to represent her in court as she tries to protect her privacy. On Tuesday, Protect Our Defenders filed an amicus brief in support of the victim in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF).
