Scott Airmen become advocates for victims of sexual assault Published Sept. 17, 2014 By Senior Airman Tristin English 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office conducted sexual assault victim advocate training Sept. 8-12 at Scott. People interested in becoming a VA were required to submit an application and complete an interview and background check. Then they were required to attend the week-long training. "Servicemembers interested in becoming a sexual assault victim advocate were invited to attend the 40-hours of training, to learn how to handle victims of sexual assault, how to give self-care to victims, and how to help them heal from the trauma of sexual assault," said 1st Lt. Danielle Duso, Deputy Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "This initial training was to get them spun up on what it is to be an advocate--what they have to do, how to handle victims of sexual assault. After a six month probation period after this training, they get their national certification as an advocate." Base sexual assault response coordinators report to Air Force headquarter's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, or SAPRO, a Department of Defense program committed to raising awareness and preventing sexual violence. The SAPRO also supports victims of sexual assault and assists them through treatment and support. The SAPRO is also responsible for the victim advocate class curriculum. Senior Airman Mariah Williams, who went through the class for the first time, said, "The class has been very eye opening. We have learned a lot of shocking statistics and have taken away a lot of knowledge that everyone should know. The most important fact I learned is everyone is responsible for protecting each other, and it's not just up to the SARC; it takes everyone in the Air Force to make a difference." Each topic trained during the class talked about a helping agency, such as the Office of Special Investigation or Mental Health, so advocates know what resources are available for their clients. The class also explained what a victim goes through after a sexual assault, the best ways to help the victims process the situation and help the victim begin to heal. The classes to become a sexual assault victim advocate are held annually. For more information, contact Pamela Dorsey at pamela.dorsey@us.af.mil.