Malmstrom's SAPR office encourages victims to speak out

  • Published
  • By Jason Heavner
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  There’s an old Chinese proverb that states, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

Being victim of sexual assault can bring about a dark time in one’s life, but by speaking up and bringing light, or awareness in this case to the situation, it’s a productive way to put an end to the silence that feeds to the dangers of sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault Prevention Office at Malmstrom Air Force Base is always available to assist victims of sexual assault. No matter how severe the case is, the office works with survivors to set them up with resources on base and in the community so the healing process can begin.

Elizabeth Seau, the office’s new lead sexual assault victim advocate, states that every case is treated with a sense of urgency, regardless of the type of reporting they choose to go through, so the survivor can cope and heal.

“No matter how severe the case can be, our top priority is taking care of the victim. We want to be there to help and show them where they can go to get the proper help they need as well as educate them on the types of reporting they can go through to start the healing process,” said Seau.

There are two different types of reporting. Restricted reporting, which is available for all service members and their dependents over the age of 18, allows the victims to disclose the situation in a confidential status to individuals specialized in handling such cases including victim advocates and health care personnel so that the healing process can quickly begin without the process of a criminal investigation. The other type of reporting, unrestricted, involves the situation reported to the chain of command and the proper authorities such as the Office of Special Investigation.

“It’s totally up to the victim to determine how they want to report their case. We’re here as a support system to show them where they need to go and who they need to talk to,” said Holly Wick, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

Individuals who have been a victim of sexual assault may contact Wick or Seau at 731-4225/4130 and your victim advocate. A 24/7 crisis hotline is available at 781-6005. Another option is the DoD Safe Helpline at 1-877-995-5247. Each phone call is treated with 100 percent confidentiality.