5K fundraiser highlights prevention of sexual assault Published June 27, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Team Scott members and families participated in a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response sponsored 5K June 22 at Scott Air Force Base. The funds raised were in support of an area rape crisis center that assists the base and surrounding community by providing a safe place and counseling services for assault victims. Team Scott's victim advocates helped coordinated the event. "This event is great because it helped raised sexual assault awareness both on base and in the community," said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Brushwood, 5K coordinator and Scott AFB victim advocate. Victim advocates are military members or DoD civilian volunteers who provide 24/7 assistance, resources and whose primary role is to serve the needs of sexual assault victims/survivors for as long as they needed. According to Pamela Dorsey, Scott SARC coordinator, Victim advocate programs are a critical part of any SARC program. Once the SARC is notified of a reported sexual assault, she immediately assigns a VA with the victim's permission. It is crucial that VAs quickly respond to victims in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. In a crisis situation, VAs do encourage and help victims to get medical attention. "Our job is to provide information about what to expect, provide emotional support, connect victims to other services while maintaining the victim's confidentiality," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Jackson, 18-month victim advocate volunteer. "In order for us to do that, we also need to be educated on what the victims go through and recourses to provide." To be a VA at Scott, volunteers must receive command approval, a thorough screening and background checks to ensure they are right for the job, in addition to completing 40 hours of training before providing support to victims. VA's also need to be aware of the victims reporting options but so they can help them to decide what course of action to take. If a sexual assault occurs, active duty Airmen have two reporting options: restricted and unrestricted. · Restricted reporting allows a sexual assault victim to confidentially disclose the details of their assault to a SARC so they receive medical treatment and assistance and counseling without triggering an investigation. · Unrestricted reporting is for sexual assault victims who want an official investigation, in addition to medical treatment, referrals and counseling. "They (VA's) evaluate the victims' safety and help with safety plans, referrals and reassure victims that what happened was not their fault," said Dorsey. "Throughout all aspects of their work, VAs and SARCs try to prevent secondary victimization, which is victim blaming treatment or blaming themselves for what happened." Beyond the immediate crisis situation, VAs can also provide support to victims who choose to use the justice system. VAs can accompany victims to investigative interviews and to court, and provide information about the legal process. Per DOD policy, advocates are not required to release information unless subpoenaed to court. "The important part is letting the victim know we [VA's] are here for the victims during and after the fact, said Jackson. Just like any other sort of trauma, assault will remain part of their life and the VA responding shared that moment with them. We will forever be a part of it and available if they need to talk about it." Advocates continue to follow-up with victims to check on their well being and answer questions until they are no longer needed. Brushwood has been a victim advocate for four years now at Scott. "I volunteer as a VA to help individuals in need with skills not everyone has the opportunity to learn. It's my way of giving back." The fact is sexual assault happens. "Continuing to educate our military team with training is key to reducing these crimes and empowering everyone to do the right thing," said Dorsey. For more information on how to become a VA contact Pamela Dorsey at 256-4196.