Guardians of victims Published April 22, 2013 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- What victims of sexual assault go through is often times something indescribable. The traumatizing stigma that comes with an occurrence of such detrimental magnitude can be quite a hardship to endure alone. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator has maintained an initiative for the past eight years which allows certified volunteers to personally be alongside victims in a time of need. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate program provides essential support, liaison services and care to victims. Their responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support, as well as providing information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about their case. They are knowledgeable not only about reporting options, but on all resources available to assist that individual as well. The VAs may also accompany a victim, at their request, during investigative interviews and medical examinations, including, but not limited to interviews with medical personnel, law enforcement, investigators, a trial counsel and defense counsel. They are also an essential help in providing Team Minot with a 24/7 crisis line for victims. The teams of advocates are dedicated. They ensure victims continue to receive the necessary care and support until the victim states or the SARC determines that support is no longer needed. "The program gets our active duty and civilian population involved in the response of sexual assaults to assist and support our military population," said Reagan Gagne, 5th Bomb Wing SARC. Currently, only active duty military personnel, Reserve or National Guard personnel in active status and Department of Defense civilian employees may serve as VAs. "A majority of the applicants for the VA program have been personally affected by sexual assault," Gagne said. "This could be that they are a survivor themselves, or know someone close to them who has been victimized. They may also have a general concern to help others." The screening and certification process for the volunteers is a crucial component for providing the best service to the community and victims. If selected as a volunteer, members are required to attend mandatory 40 hour training to receive their VA certificate. There is also a national certification process they must be approved for and they must maintain 32 hours of continuing education every two years. The more than 20 volunteers at Minot AFB come from both the enlisted and officer ranks, and include both males and females. "We rely heavily on volunteers to fill this critical function. As the SARC, I am only one person caring for an entire population," explained Gagne. "It is essential to not only have volunteers, but individuals who want to be a part of a greater solution." For Staff Sgt. Joy Glenn, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron dorm manager and victim advocate, a sexual assault incident involving her best friend back in 2007, was the moment that influenced her to volunteer in any way that she could to help sexual assault victims. "I will never forget... I was abruptly awakened around 3 a.m. by my best friend and fellow Airman, frantically banging on my dorm room door," said Glenn. "I opened the door still half asleep, to see her frightened face. 'I think that I was just raped!' were the first words out of her mouth. She then proceeded to tell me that her friend had taken advantage of her." Her friend had awakened from a black out to find the individual taking advantage of her. Glenn proceeded to do her best in assisting her as she proceeded to find help. Glenn explained she was proud to be part of the program. What she enjoyed most about supporting those who have been sexually assaulted is the feeling of knowing that she is helping that victim/survivor get their strength back. Unfortunately, there is a great need for volunteers to assist in victim care here Gagne added. For fiscal year 2012, Minot AFB had 16 reports of sexual assault and for fiscal year 2013, there have been 10 reports thus far. In October 2012, the DOD along with the National Organization for Victim Assistance collaborated together to provide the DOD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program to all SARCs and victim advocates. The D-SAACP recognizes the critical commitment needed to uphold the highest standards of victim care and privacy, said Gagne. For individuals interested in becoming a victim advocate or for more information, contact Gagne at 723-5275.