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Sexual assault victim advocate training begins Nov. 5 at Scott

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 375th Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office will conduct a week-long sexual assault victim advocate training class Nov. 5-9 in the Education and Training building at Scott Air Force Base.

"Service members interested in becoming a sexual assault victim advocate are required to attend a 40-hour victim advocate training class," said Pamela Dorsey, the 375th Air Mobility Wing sexual assault response coordinator.

Interested members must submit an application to the SARC, schedule an interview and go through a background investigation.

"Victim advocates work with the SARC, and walk the victims through steps toward healing," said Dorsey. "Some of those steps could include taking victims to the hospital, making a restricted or unrestricted report, and arranging appointments with the chaplain or mental health facilitator. In some cases, the victim advocate accompanies the victim to the Office of Special Investigations, and possibly through legal proceedings against the attacker."

The base SARCs report to the SAPRO, a Department of Defense program committed to raising awareness and promoting the prevention of sexual violence. The SAPRO also supports victims of sexual assault and assists them through treatment and support. The SAPRO is also responsible for the VA class curriculum.

Tech. Sgt. Jeanette Wilinski, who has been a VA for the past year, said, "The class was beneficial because I knew what a VA did, but I didn't have any idea how much paperwork is involved. It informs you about the forms, process, rules and how to take care of a survivor.

"You think you know what is needed to be done, but without the training, you walk in blind and it hurts both you and the client."

For members unable to attend November's class, but are still interested in becoming a victim's advocate, should let Dorsey know because she keeps a database of everyone interested in the program and will contact volunteers when there is an upcoming class.

For more information on becoming a VA or attending this upcoming class, contact Pamela Dorsey at pamela.dorsey@us.af.mil.