Victim Witness Assistance Program

The Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) provides guidance for the protection and assistance of victims and witnesses, enhances their roles in the military criminal justice process, and preserves the constitutional rights of an accused.

VWAP has three objectives:

1. Mitigate the physical, psychological, and financial hardships suffered by victims and witnesses of offenses investigated by law enforcement authorities

2. Foster cooperation between victims, witnesses, and the military justice system

3. Ensure best efforts are extended to protect the rights of victims and witnesses

Victims have the following rights under the Uniform Code of Military Justice:

• To be reasonably protected from the accused

• To reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of specified hearings

• Not to be excluded from any public hearing or proceeding

• To be reasonably heard at specified hearings

• To confer with government counsel for proceeding

• To receive restitution as provided by law

• To proceedings free from unreasonable delay

• To be treated with fairness and with respect for his/her dignity and privacy