Direct Line

Lt. Alexis Moore, NASSIG Victims’ Legal Counsel

On his first day in office, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reiterated his commitment to the prosecution of sexual offenses among Service Members and dependents throughout the Department of Defense. The United States Navy Judge Advocate General Corps’ Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) Program is one of the tools that exist to provide assistance to survivors of certain sexual offenses and domestic violence.

But what is a VLC?

A VLC is a licensed attorney whose sole purpose is to help victims understand the investigation and military justice process and to advocate on behalf of the victim. The VLC Program was established in 2013 to provide front line legal support to the fleet.

Victims of crimes have rights under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). A VLC safeguards victims’ legal rights and interests while coordinating additional resources that may assist in their recovery. VLCs work closely with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocates (VA), and Family Advocacy Program (FAP) providers to best support and provide services to victims of an offense. However, the VLC is primarily focused on providing legal services.

VLC services range from discussing the legal ramifications of making a report of sexual assault or a sexual offense to representing our clients at courts-martial where necessary to promote and protect our client’s legal rights and interests.

A VLC routinely assists victims through the investigation and court-martial processes and also provides legal advice related to any possible collateral misconduct such as underage drinking, fraternization, or orders violations. We also assist victims in exercising legal rights, such as seeking an expedited transfer or military protective orders.

A hallmark of the VLC program is complete independence from the chain of command of the installations we serve. This means a VLC does not report to you, or your sponsor’s, chain of command or the chain of command of the person who committed the offense.

A VLC does not represent the command or the offender—just the victim.

A common question about the program is whether we disclose information to anyone else. The answer is no. Consultations with a VLC are both confidential and privileged. This means a VLC is generally prohibited from disclosing any of your communications, or even the fact that you ever met with a VLC, without your consent.

As the newest VLC assigned to Naval Air Station Sigonella, I hope to continue the VLC Program’s goal of providing comprehensive legal services to all who qualify. As a previous civilian prosecutor and Navy Defense Counsel, I have had the unique experience of seeing both sides of the criminal justice process and will use that experience to provide meaningful and accurate advice and advocacy.

If you are wondering if you qualify for services, please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation.

I can be reached using the below methods:

Physical Office:

Fleet and Family Support Center

NAS 1, Bldg. 319

COMM: 095-56-4291

DSN: 314-624-4291

Duty Cell: +39 338-730-5207

Email: Alexis.Moore@eu.navy.mil