Understanding the VWAP Published April 8, 2014 By Mercedes C. Brooks-Smith Victim Witness Assistance Program Coordinator F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The Victim Witness Assistance Program mitigates the physical, psychological and financial hardships suffered by victims and witnesses of offenses investigated by the Air Force. The program is not limited to sexual assault type cases. The VWAP Coordinator also assists victims of crimes such as theft, child abuse, assault and domestic violence. The VWAP coordinator maintains close ties to victim-service-providers off base, often meeting with them monthly, to ensure the best possible care for non-military victims and witnesses. The VWAP can provide information and assist in coordinating with many off-base organizations - including SAFEHouse, the Wyoming Victim Services and the Cheyenne Police Department Victim Assistance Coordinator. Protecting victim rights is a key part of the VWAP Coordinator's mission. There are many rights that a victim is allowed, and the VWAP coordinator is responsible for telling them these rights: a. The right to be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity and privacy. b. The right to reasonable protection from a suspect or the accused. c. The right to notification of all court-martial proceedings. d. The right to be present at all public court-martial proceedings, unless the military judge determines the victim's testimony would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony. e. The right to confer with trial counsel in the case f. The right to appropriate restitution, when available. g. The right to information about an accused's conviction, sentencing, confinement and release. The VWAP Coordinator can prepare victims and witnesses for court proceedings, set up interviews with trial and defense lawyers and ensure the victims and witnesses know when and where to show up for court. The VWAP also ensures the victims and witnesses have childcare during interviews and court proceedings. The VWAP chairs a committee, which meets quarterly and consists of the vice commander, first sergeants, law enforcement, OSI, Airman and Family Readiness, Family Advocacy, security forces investigations, the military medical facility, mental health and the chapel. These committee members are trained by the VWAP on the different services the VWAP provides during pre-trial, the trial itself and post-trial.