New program offers victim support

  • Published
  • By Col. Bryan Benson
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  American military forces don't exist in a vacuum. Unfortunately, this means many of the problems of society as a whole are mirrored on our installations and affect our members.
In taking an active role in addressing one of society's problems, the Department of Defense this week implemented a new program to address sexual assault. The DoD recognizes sexual assault as a threat to the health and welfare of its members. In this country, one in four women and one in ten men experience this trauma. Sexual assault is a terrible crime that often goes unreported by the victim. Lack of confidentiality is the most frequent reason victims do not reach out for the help they need to get their life back together.
To encourage victims to report any incident of sexual assault, the Air Force has released new policies and procedures for the prevention of and response to such incidents. Military members who are sexual assault survivors now have the option of restricted or unrestricted reporting.
The policies established a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator office at each base. The SARC and trained victim advocates will provide a confidential avenue of support for victims. Heading this program at Vance AFB are Sheryl McMullen, the SARC, and her alternate, Capt. Leah Cross. Confidential reporting is available through the SARC, military treatment facility or chaplain. When a victim reports to the SARC or MTF, a victim advocate will be assigned. The victim advocate will work with the assault survivor to get any assistance needed. The service is available 24 hours, seven days a week for reporting. For questions or victim support, the SARC office can be reached at 213-SARC.
Sexual assault is a direct conflict of our core values and readiness goals and should not exist in the Team Vance community. Educational programs on the prevention of sexual assault are being developed and will be required for every Air Force member. This is another area where the wingman principle can help protect our members. Take care of each other and have a great weekend.