Sexual violence: The silent monster

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Imagine this scene ... your 16-year-old daughter heads out with a group of friends to a social gathering at a friend's house. That doesn't appear to be too abnormal; in fact, it's a common occurrence. You begin to notice mood and behavioral changes in your daughter and after discussion; you learn she was raped by a male classmate. Who do you turn to? How do you get help for your daughter? How can you learn and read the signs of sexual violence? 

Although it is not a scene anyone would like to envision, in all reality, it happens every day and in many different forms. It's a silent monster known as sexual violence, and the tools to combat it are awareness training and learning the facts and resources available. 

"(The Air Force's annual ) awareness training educates (people) on what is a sexual crime, what the definition is of sexual assault and how they can support victims of sexual assault," said Lori Muzzana, 341st Missile Wing sexual assault response coordinator. 

"(It's important to learn) how bystander intervention is important, such as the wingman concept, and identifies victim rights and advocate avenues available. Both men and women can be victims. The bottom line is it's a crime that is followed by extremely traumatic consequences for the victim and significant others of the victim." 

Sexual violence community forum
Education is the key to snuffing out sexual violence, and Ms. Muzzana along with Capt. Deborah Davidson, 341st Medical Operations Squadron women's health nurse practitioner, hope to educate and empower the masses at a free community forum on sexual violence Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sletten Cancer Institute in Great Falls. 

"The forum addresses the prevalence and prevention of sexual violence, what resources are available to victims and their families as well as current practices in law enforcement," Captain Davidson said. "Active-duty members who are considered first responders can have their annual training requirement met by attending as well." 

The forum will have a formal presentation by the Montana Rape Prevention contractor followed by an informal question and answer session with a panel of members, including Ms. Muzzana, Captain Davidson, Great Falls Public Schools, Great Falls Police Department, and many more victim advocates and resource personnel in the community. 

"Sexual violence can happen to anyone just about anywhere," Captain Davidson said. "Whether you're in the dating scene, a parent, a health care professional or just curious about what we have to say, we invite you to attend. Perhaps you have been a victim yourself and didn't know what was available at the time. This is the communities' opportunity to ask tough questions and receive whatever support we are able to provide." 

Who to turn to
Military members have the right to a restricted or unrestricted report through the SARC office. Once a report is taken, an advocate is established to assist the victim and advise that person on legal rights. Family members can receive the same care through "Voices of Hope" in the community where both services offer 24/7 support with trained advocates. For more information about non-military support, call "Voices of Hope" at 268-1330. 

The SARC office is currently looking for people interested in volunteering to be a victim advocate with the sexual assault prevention and response office at Malmstrom. For more information about training and responsibilities, call Kelly Olsen at 731-4130. 

"Sexual violence is a silent monster; it's not an oversight in math or a misreport," said Ms. Muzzana. "Individuals are raped every day. They just don't say anything about it. They are scared. They feel ashamed and afraid someone might think they deserved it. They think it will just go away if they don't whisper a word. That leaves the rest of society believing it's not a problem. We need the silent survivors to understand we are here for them. We will not waiver in our steadfast support and we believe in them!" 

Facts and stats about sexual violence
· It can be said that one in four women and one in six men will experience some form of sexual victimization in their life (According to the National Institute of Justice, 2000). 

· Sexual violence remains the most dramatically under-reported crime, with an estimated 72 percent of attacks that go unreported (According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, 2006). 

· Approximately seven in 10 rapes and sexual assault victims knew their attacker(s) prior to the assault (According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, 2006). 

· Roughly 75 percent of male students and 55 percent of female students involved in acquaintance rapes had been drinking or using other drugs (According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, 2006).