Interview room suits victims' needs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  All members of Team Malmstrom should be aware that there is a zero tolerance policy against sexual assault or harassment in the Air Force and, of course, on this base. Sexual assault is a crime and can have a significant impact on the base's mission and the Airmen, so everyone should hold themselves responsible for stopping any attempt of this crime.

While sexual assault is, in more ways than one, a negative element on all parts of the Air Force, it's somehow still a part of the service. After a sexual assault case has been reported, there are people all over the service that put hours of time and effort into helping the victims get back onto their feet.

Since the summer of 2010, Malmstrom has had a comfortable room for sexual assault victims to be interviewed in by investigators. This room became a priority when Malmstrom's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at the time, Lori Muzanna, and her assistant approached the agencies on base that support assault victims looking for ways to improve the investigation process for the victims.

"The Security Forces Office of Investigations and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office work as a team to support those who have been victimized," Muzanna said. "When we went over to SFOI and saw the accommodation they had for long interviews, we knew that we could possibly work together to make it more comfortable for all."

After agreements made by both the SAPRO and SFOI, work began on the room with the intention of making it more 'user-friendly' and comfortable for the investigators, victim advocates and, especially, the victims.

"The strategy was to create an atmosphere that will put victims, witnesses and children at ease so they are more willing to open up to investigators and tell them what has happened," said Detective Stephen Parker, 341st Security Forces Squadron chief of SFOI. "Our primary interview room was setup for suspect interviews, which is purposely meant to be an uncomfortable environment for someone who is suspected in committing an offense. With the creation of this victim and witness room, we now have an area that allows us to interview victims and witnesses in a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing environment."

Often times, victims or witnesses may have to bring their children to the interview, and this room easily accommodates the needs of the children by providing a comfortable and safe environment for them to play in while the interview is being conducted.

"In the end, I think this room has a direct impact on cases by providing investigators with a calm, soothing environment to interview someone who may be going through, or has witnessed, a potentially traumatic event," Parker said. "I wish I could say the room is never used; however, we are an up-tempo Security Forces Investigations Office and it is put to good use."

The victim and witness room is just one way Malmstrom is helping the victims of sexual assault bring a sense of normalcy back into their lives. It may be just a small step for the victims, but it's one that could easily help set the tone for their journey back onto their feet - a comfortable, inviting tone.

"The value [of the room] comes in when you spend hours in the room with the investigators, advocate and the victim - it is comfortable and inviting," Muzanna said. "The topic of discussion is already difficult enough; having an environment that is comfortable sends the right message to the victim: they are cared about."