FORT JACKSON, S.C. (April 2, 2015) -- Michelle Rosenthal, who retired from the Army in 2001, began work as Fort Jackson's appointed victim witness liaison in 2005. She assists victims and witnesses involved in the military judicial process as a facilitator and coordinator, acting as the primary point of contact through which victims and witnesses can get information and help in obtaining services.
Rosenthal started her Army career in field artillery as a surveyor, then transferred into the legal arena. She served as a drill sergeant from 1988 to 1991 at Fort Jackson and was later NCO in charge of criminal law.
"I chose legal because it helps people. I just fell in love with it," Rosenthal said. "I coordinate and facilitate for victims and witnesses. They come in here first to see me."
She said her desire to get to the bottom of things was a driving force in her decision to continue her career as a victim witness liaison.
"Victim witness liaison is what I did my last three years in the military. I've always had a passion for helping people and there's always more than what is on the surface," Rosenthal said. "What's making you tick? Let's figure it out and get you the help you need."
Victim and witness programs coordinate with related military and civilian agencies, including investigative and law enforcement personnel, chaplains and health care personnel. Their responsibilities lie outside the military justice section, when possible, to be perceived as impartial in the prosecution process. Additionally, they cannot claim attorney-client privilege.
"I can help people by sending them to the right agencies and getting them some assistance." Rosenthal said. "I make sure I put them in direct contact with whom they need to talk to."
Army Regulation 27-10, Chapter 17 states that, "In cases in which a victim has been subjected to attempted, or actual violence, every reasonable effort will be made to minimize further traumatization. Victims will be treated with care and compassion, particularly in circumstances involving children, domestic violence, or sexual misconduct."
"The main thing is to stay calm and make sure the victim is taken care of as well as the witness," Rosenthal said.
Rosenthal also works in conjunction with the unit victim advocates who are responsible for providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing nonclinical support to sexual assault victims.
Rosenthal has serviced more than 90 victims and witness over the past year.
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