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Become an advocate for victims of sexual assault

  • 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 Sept. 16-20 in the Education and Training building.

"Servicemembers 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 Dorsey, schedule an interview, and go through a background investigation.

"Victim advocates should be committed and mature, with a heart to serve," said Dorsey. "It's like a calling, part of the person's make-up to want to help other human beings on their journey, especially the journey that will help them heal."

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.

Master Sgt. Chevon Kemper, a victim advocate who went through the class last year, said, "The class was an eye-opening experience. Although, some of the statistics were, and still are, disheartening, and some of the tragic stories we heard were upsetting, it only compelled me to become even more involved in the program. I could never imagine going through a traumatic experience and not having anyone to turn to, and I would never want another human being to feel that way. If you have a true desire to help others, this is a great program to be a part of."

Members unable to attend the class in September, who are still interested in becoming a victim advocate, can 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, contact Pamela Dorsey at pamela.dorsey@us.af.mil.