Introduction to Department of Defense Programs
The last decade has witnessed heightened interest in the rights and needs of crime victims on military installations. The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued extensive policy guidance to assign responsibilities and to establish procedures and program standards for providing victim assistance.
Military installations around the world have established comprehensive programs and entered into Memoranda of Understanding with neighboring civilian communities to enhance and protect the rights and identities of victims throughout the military criminal justice system.
Through collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, the DoD has provided training and technical assistance to improve victims' rights and services to them when military personnel are involved in crimes.