Victim advocates are backbone of SAPR

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Burton
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program is a Department of Defense program that was launched in June 2005 to serve as the single point of accountability and oversight for sexual assault policy. 

The SAPR provides guidance to servicemembers, and facilitates the resolution of issues common to all military services and joint commands. 

Each Air Force installations SAPR is comprised of a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and victim advocates. While most Air Force members recognize and understand the role of the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, the role of the VA is less familiar. 

"Victim advocates provide essential support, liaison services and care to sexual assault victims, which makes VAs the backbone of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program," said Capt. Cheri Guikema, 39th Air Base Wing SARC. 

The responsibility of a VA is to help the SARC support victims of sexual assault 24/7, from the time of an initial report of sexual assault, through the disposition and resolution of issues related to the victim's health and well-being. 

Victim advocates respond with the SARC as soon as a sexual assault is reported and they explain all resources and options available to survivors of sexual assault as well as provide emotional support. Depending on the victim's request, VAs can accompany victims to medical, investigative and legal appointments. 

Incirlik has 18 trained VAs, ranging in rank from Airman first class to first lieutenant. Each VA must undergo a background check and complete 40 hours of initial training as well as undergo refresher training every quarter. 

Captain Guikema believes VAs are vital to sexual assault survivors and the SAPR. 

"Reporting a sexual assault is never easy for survivors," said Captain Guikema. "Having a neutral and supportive person to help navigate the daunting process reduces stress and helps facilitate the recovery process. Victim advocates can determine how well a victim rebuilds a healthy and effective lifestyle." 

These volunteers are driven individuals dedicated to the prevention of sexual assault and provide unmatched support for the survivors when an assault occurs, she added.
Tech. Sgt. Stacy Kosik, 728th Air Mobility Squadron and victim advocate, said advocates are to assist the victim as much as possible. 

"We can help survivors for as long as they need us," Sergeant Kosik said. "Whatever they need, we are there for them." 

In addition to sexual assault response, VAs facilitate risk reduction and intervention briefings within and outside their units, and provide support for outreach programs around the base. 

Sergeant Kosik, a victim advocate for almost three years, believes the most important sexual assault prevention tip is to monitor alcohol consumption. 

"Alcohol has been a factor in every active sexual assault case I have been involved in," she said. 

Sergeant Kosik added that by monitoring alcohol intake, people can stay aware of their surroundings and actions. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assult, there are a variety of resources available to you the SARC or VAs can assist you with.