CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
A group of eight Team Charleston members spent 40 hours from Aug. 10 to 14 learning what it takes to give the critical support needed for victims of sexual assault.
Victim advocates are trained to be a first responder for victims of sexual assault, providing both a source of information and options, and a listening ear for anyone who needs it.
The role has been a part of the sexual assault response program since its beginnings in June 2005, said Veronica Griffin, the Sexual Assault Response coordinator for Charleston AFB. In the last four years, she has worked with and trained 137 victim advocates.
The individuals who participated in the training represented both civilian and military personnel, male and female and several different ethnic groups. The compilation of people of many backgrounds was also an accurate representation of who is affected by a sexual assault.
"This issue impacts the individual and the entire Air Force indirectly," said Ms. Griffin. "It defies our Air Force core values and it goes against our mission. If you have people who are injured and who have been assaulted, can they go to work and be productive? No. In most cases they can't. They are going to isolate themselves. So, if we don't address this issue we are going to have people who are not really able to perform and do their best in their work environment."
Ms. Griffin said the pillars of victim advocacy are being approachable, making a victim feel comfortable and supported and to inspire a sense of empowerment.
Victim advocate training is similar to the annual training all Team Charleston members receive. It aims to educate, but different methods are used because victim advocates need to be able to interact with a victim on a much more personal level and with greater understanding, while doing so in confidence in many cases.
"I feel like I have a big heart anyways. I want to be a help," said Airman 1st Class Edric Byrd, 437th Operations Support Squadron Aviation Resource Management Office clerk. "In the annual SARC training that we have to go through ... it is long, and it's detailed, but it's not as graphic as it is when you come and you train through this for a whole week."
Airman Byrd said the training was eye opening and difficult at the same time because he found the acts inflicted on victims to be beyond belief.
"It's inhumane and it's wrong," he said.
The training pushes the advocates' limits, but the group of students said the training was extremely beneficial.
"We look forward to not being the one to look away. We look forward to being the ones to help someone in need," said 2nd Lt. Rebecca Rupp, 437th Aerial Port Squadron air terminal operations duty officer. "It's also encouraging to see people of all ranks and statuses wanting to participate and that there is a program to facilitate it."
Although the training was about helping victims whose hurt is serious and injury is real, Ms. Griffin did include ways to lighten the mood, such as bringing along her handy "easy button."
Placed at the end of the conference room desk, students and visitors taking their seats in front of it had a chance for a firm push on the device after Ms. Griffin asked, "Now, was that easy?" After one push of the button, a robotic answer squealed from the red button saying, "That was easy," followed by chuckles from the group.
Ms. Griffin said although she represents a serious issue, she still likes to keep a little room for laughter in the classes.
Aside from a training victim advocates, Ms. Griffin said she hopes to recruit additional trainers as well. These individuals will be in charge of administering SARC briefings for the general base population.
Because the needs of the program are expanding, Ms. Griffin said she is accepting applications for new victim advocates .
"We're always taking applications. I'm recruiting 24/7," she said. "I ask anyone interested to send in their application and then set up an interview."
Positions are open to all active-duty or Reserve members and civilian employees. Those interested in being interviewed for a position can call 963-7272 for more information.