MCRD Parris Island VWAP

The Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) is designed to ensure victims and witnesses of crime are treated with fairness and dignity and are afforded their rights throughout the criminal justice process – from the first report of a crime through any period of confinement adjudged by a court-martial.

The Marine Corps VWAP instruction is MCO 5800.16

Ms. Teresa Johnson is the Victim and Witness Liaison Officer (VWLO) for MCRD Parris Island and acts as the Commanding Officer, MCRD Parris Island’s manager for the VWAP Program aboard the depot. In that capacity, Ms. Johnson chairs the VWAP Council, manages and maintains a list of all unit Victim Witness Assistance Coordinators and other base Victim Witness Representatives, provides liaison with local civilian services for victims of crime, tracks all services provided and is the central point of contact for the base program.

Pursuant to Marine Corps Directives, each office or agency which provides services to victims and witnesses (see list below) appoints a Victim Witness Assistance Representative and each unit (Battalion and Squadron level and above) appoints a Victim Witness Assistance Coordinator (VWAC). The VWAC and other representatives are responsible for that unit or office’s part of the base VWAP.

Ms. Johnson can be contacted at (843) 228-4095 or click here to email her.

Chaplain

MCRD Parris Island offer counseling, religious ministries and related services to victims & witnesses upon request.
(843) 228-3712

Legal Assistance

The Legal Assistance Office (LAO) is located in building 172 aboard MCRD Parris Island.
They can provide assistance for family matters such as divorce and child support and can
provide a referral to civilian attorneys when needed.
Click here for more information or call (843) 228-2559.

Prosecution/Military Justice Office

The trial services office is located in building 293 aboard MCRD Parris Island.
They provide legal advice and support to all MCRD San Diego tenant commands
in the prosecution of Marines and sailors in general, special, and summary courts-martial.
Rights and services afforded by the trial services office to victims and witnesses during
the criminal trial process include: the right to be present at all public court proceedings,
the right to be contacted about the proposed dismissal of any and all charges, the right
to be consulted on decisions not to prosecute, the right to be contacted regarding the
proposed terms of any negotiated plea, and the right to be notified of the acceptance of
a guilty plea, or any conviction, sentencing and imprisonment of the accused.
Click here for more information.

MCRD Parris Island Criminal Investigation and Law Enforcement

NCIS, CID, and PMO provide investigative services for criminal offenses. Criminal investigators
and law enforcement personnel are responsible for providing victims and witnesses of crimes
with the initial information under the VWAP and ensuring they have points of contact for all
available services and assistance under the VWAP.
(843) 228-3444

Victim Advocacy Support Program/Family Advocacy

Victim Advocates respond to sexual assault and domestic violence incidences 24/7 by
providing supportive and advocacy services for the victim.
(843) 228-2889

Victims' Legal Counsel

Captain Dustin Whetsel is the Victim Legal Counsel (VLC) for MCRD/ERR Parris Island.
The VLC assist victims to understand legal options available to them under the military
justice system. Captain Whetsel is located in the Legal Assistance Building (Bldg 172)
and can be reached at (843)228-4801.

Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

Click here for additional information on MCRD Parris Island SAPR Program.

Correctional Facilities(Brigs)

Military brigs house inmates before, during, and after trial. An accused male service
member placed in pretrial confinement or sentenced to less than 15 years is normally
housed at Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston. A female service member who is
placed in pretrial confinement is housed at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
A post-conviction female inmate or male inmate convicted of a sex crime will be
housed at MCAS Miramar. A male inmate serving more than 15 years will be housed
at Leavenworth.
Charleston Brig: (843) 743-0306
Miramar Brig: (858) 577-7069
Leavenworth: (913) 682-8700
Beaufort County Detention Center: (843) 470-5715

Medical

MCRD PI Branch Health Clinic provides emergency medical services for military
personnel and dependents aboard MCAS Parris Island.
Click here for additional information.

Hope Haven of the Low Country
(843) 524-2256 or (843) 525-6699
(800) 637-7273
www.hopehavenlc.org

South Carolina Victim Assistance Network
(803)750-1200
www.scvan.org

Victim Assistance Program - Beaufort City
2001 Duke Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 470-3716

Beaufort County Department of Social Services (DSS)
1905 Duke St.
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-6080

Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA)
(843) 524-4350

Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse (CODA)
24 hour hotline – (843 )770-1070
Toll Free – (800) 868-CODA (2632)

Beaufort City Victim Advocate
(843) 470-3716

Beaufort County Victim Advocate
(843) 255-3410/3420

Port Royal Victim Advocate
(843) 986-2226