SARC office to host victim advocate training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator office will host a weeklong victim advocate training course June 25 to 29 to build a team of Airmen with the skills required to provide victims with appropriate responsive care.

"The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program is designed to eliminate sexual assault in the Air Force by raising awareness through education, training, response and victim advocacy," said Kelly Dominguez, 28th Bomb Wing SARC. "Sexual assault is a crime. It's not tolerated and is a violation of Air Force core values. The SAPR program is important because it reinforces the Air Force's commitment to eliminating sexual assaults."

The SARC has long been the installation's single point of contact for coordinating sexual assault victim care services. With the SAPR program, qualified Airmen will be trained to provide victims with the support and assistance they need.

Dominguez said that victim advocates are volunteer active-duty military personnel and Department of Defense civilians who provide crisis intervention, referrals and ongoing non-clinical support to victims of sexual assault.

"Volunteers won't be providing counseling or other professional services," said Dominguez. "Their primary duty is to ensure victims receive care and support."

She added that in the past, victim advocates have also provided critical support such as accompanying victims to investigative interviews, being with them during medical examinations, supporting victims by providing referral information and being present to "just talk."

"Victim advocates are vital to the SAPR program, and volunteers of all backgrounds, both male and female, are welcome," Dominguez said.

Capt. Amanda Finnegan, 28th BW plans and programs officer, is one of the many Airmen on base interested in training to be a victim advocate.

"Even being able to help one person will make a huge difference to me," said Finnegan. "It's good to know that the base is making sure victims will receive appropriate care after a traumatic experience. I'm looking forward to being a part of the SARC team."

Eligible personnel interested in becoming a victim advocate must complete an interview and 40 hours of training with the SARC office located in the Rushmore Center.

For more information about becoming a victim advocate, call Kelly Dominguez at (605) 385-5233.