Sexual Assault Awareness Month recognized at Malmstrom

Published April 20, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Fostering a culture of change, and providing a light for those in the dark, the Air Force is quickly becoming a cornerstone in the foundation of resiliency for victims of sexual assault.

Through years of trial and error, the military as a whole has tried fervently to address the problem of sexual assault; not only for its military members but also for friends and loved ones.

In recent years, this effort has paid off tremendously in the form of multiple avenues of support and guidance for those in need.

From counselors to legal representatives, or even just someone to talk to, victims of sexual assault are never alone.

"Most of the time, our office is the starting point for victims of sexual assault," said Holly Wick, 341st Missile Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "For anyone who chooses to come and talk with us, they are able to tell their story in full confidentiality and privacy."

For a victim in need, there are several options they can choose from to help cope and further recovery.

For reporting an assault, a victim can choose one of two options: restricted or unrestricted reporting.

With restricted reporting, the person has the ability to confidentially receive counseling, support and health care services without having to notify law enforcement or military authorities.

With unrestricted reporting, notification of the crime is given to local or military authorities and an investigation ensues. Through this process, the commander is able to provide a full range of protection to the victim while all the services and aid of unrestricted reporting is also provided.

Legal services are also available.

"The legal office teams together with various military and civilian agencies to provide support to victims of sexual assault," said Maj. Darin Fawcett, 341st Missile Wing deputy staff judge advocate. "In fact, we have a member of our legal team whose primary duty is to assist victims and witnesses of crimes."

This program is called the Victim and Witness Assistance Program.

"The VWAP manager works with the SARC and civilian victim advocate personnel, as appropriate, to provide critical support to victims of sexual assault," Fawcett said.

Additionally, the VWAP manager can also explain the military justice process to victims and keep them informed. They are always available to answer questions and provide information on medical, financial and the legal services available.

"We are here to help people," Wick said. "We are here to help people through this most traumatic time of their life. (I see my job) as a blessing - to be able to help people get through (these experiences) and be able to go on with their life."

"For me it's the same thing," said Debra Glenn, 341st Missile Wing sexual assault victim advocate. "One of my favorite parts of the job is being able to be with someone in their darkest time and know that I can do a small part to make it a little bit easier for them."

Through thick and thin, Airmen and loved ones who are victim to sexual assault have somewhere to turn.

Whether for just a shoulder to lean on or for help with starting the healing process, victims of sexual assault are not alone.

"It's so exciting seeing somebody get through the healing process and get to a point to where it isn't as dark a place for them anymore," Glenn said.

"It's very satisfying when we have the opportunity to have those victims come back and talk to us later, and to see how far they've come and how much they've grown and healed," she said.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office will have informational booths set up at the following locations:

· April 22 - Bowling Alley, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
· April 24 - Base Gym, 3 to 7 p.m.
· April 29 - Base Exchange, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on sexual assault and avenues for help, contact the SAPR office at 406-731-4225 or the 24/7 hotline at 406-781-6005. For questions on the VWAP program, contact the legal office at (406) 731-2878.