Special group provides support to assault survivors Published Feb. 17, 2009 By Sheryl McMullen Vance Sexual Assault Response coordinator VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Since the inception of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program throughout the Department of Defense in 2005, a unique group of individuals have provided support to survivors of sexual assault at Vance. These individuals are all volunteers who undergo more than 40 hours of intense training to become certified as victim advocates. They also attend refresher training to expand their knowledge and further build their helping skills. The duties of the victim advocates can range from responding to the hospital, accompanying a sexual assault victim to interviews with law enforcement, or simply taking a walk and letting the survivor vent. Currently working as victim advocates at Vance are 1st Lt. Jessa Charron, Terri Presa, Jamie Crowell, Capt. Tara Erlandson, Mary Loveless, Linda Franklin, Melva Glaser and 2nd Lt. Katie Suhrhoff. The ability to extend empathy and friendship to someone who has experienced trauma makes these individuals special. They put themselves in the position of hearing stories no one wants to hear and providing comfort to those in need. Any military or civilian employee can become a victim advocate. The volunteers are screened and a background check is run to assure that victim advocates are the best candidates for this difficult but rewarding experience. For more information about the program, contact the SARC office, 213-5598, in Bldg. 312.