SARC provides training, safe place for sexual assault victims Published Sept. 8, 2009 By Rogelie R. Johnson 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted, yet only 25 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are reported, said Sharon E. Ingram, Offutt sexual assault response coordinator program assistant, during a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator training session at the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility Theater here Aug. 20. Sexual assault victims can take comfort in knowing that the SARC office is here to help. The SARC office serves as the single point of accountability and oversight for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim care from the initial report through disposition and resolution of issues related to the victim's health and well-being. Educational training is one of the many preventative measures offered by the Offutt SARC office. Sexual assault directly contradicts the Air Force core values and harms both the individual and society, Ms. Ingram said. "Our leadership at Offutt supports this program whole-heartedly and stresses that throughout the command," Ms. Ingram added. "We strive to eliminate sexual assault within the Department of Defense by providing a culture of prevention, education and training, response capability, victim support, reporting procedures and accountability that enhances the safety and well-being of all its members." Furthermore, the SARC office provides an immediate, trained response capability for each report of sexual assault and ensures victims of sexual assault are protected, treated with dignity and respect, as well as receive timely access to appropriate treatment and services, she added. During the training, Ms. Ingram explained the difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault. According to the Air Force, sexual assault is defined as any intentional sexual contact, characterized by the use of force, physical threat, abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot give consent. Sexual assault includes rape, non-consensual sodomy (oral or anal), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling) or attempts to commit these acts. Airman 1st Class Eugenia Hart, an aerospace ground equipment apprentice with the 55th Maintenance Squadron, shares her story as a sexual assault survivor. Airman Hart was asleep in her dorm room when her door was unlocked with a makeshift key made out of a clothing hanger, she said. Around 10 p.m., a man broke into her room and assaulted her. Like many sexual assault victims, Airman Hart felt lost and almost at fault after the incident. Ms. Ingram explained that sexual assault victims often experience common emotions, such as fear, helplessness, shame, self-blame and guilt, legitimacy and validation, rage, betrayal and isolation. "For months, it was hard to sleep," Airman Hart said. "I often slept in sporadic spurts when my body couldn't function without sleep. Even though I had a meal card, I avoided the dining facility in fear of being in the presence of my attacker. I bought groceries out of my own pocket to make my own meals." Although Airman Hart tried to deal with the situation on her own, she started to crumble. "I began to tell my first shirt, and he immediately directed me to the SARC," Airman Hart said. "It made me feel alone and stupid for even telling anyone about it." After going to the SARC office, Airman Hart said she was assigned a victim advocate who went with her to the Office of Special Investigations, hospital visits and frequently called to check on her well-being. "I felt for the first time through this whole thing that I had someone by my side, someone who wasn't biased or uncomfortable with my situation," she said. "At first, I felt uncomfortable and reluctant, but after being reassured of my reporting options, I was more willing to open up about the incident." Ms. Ingram emphasized it is not the victims' fault that the assault happened. She also noted the importance of the two reporting options: restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reporting ensures victims receive medical care, treatment and counseling without notifying their command or law enforcement officials. By using restricted reporting, victims can maintain control over the release of information regarding the case. Unrestricted reporting is the other option. It ensures medical care, treatment and counseling for victims. This option also notifies a victims' chain of command and initiates an investigation. Research analysts found 2,923 sexual assault "reports" in fiscal 2008, which is roughly an 8 percent increase compared to fiscal 2007. Although there was a rise in reporting, Ms. Ingram said this is not a cause for alarm. The total number of sexual assaults reported is not necessarily indicative that more incidents occurred, she said. "One possible explanation for the increase in reports could be that more victims are reporting incidents as people become more aware of sexual assault in general," Ms. Ingram said. Tech. Sgt. Bradley K. Gravos, chief of the 55th Maintenance Training Flight's training management section, said he found the training to be informative and beneficial. "It is important to be informed of how to handle situations and where to go in case this situation occurs," Sergeant Gravos said. "People should also be aware of what is going on around them and involve themselves if they see situations that do not look good." Along with the necessity of completing the annual mandatory course, Airman Hart said she attends because the training is empowering. "By actively and rationally answering taboo questions aloud, I can bring some enlightenment to those seldom few who believe that every rape, sexual assault or sexual harassment situation is 'arguable,'" she said. For more information about sexual assault prevention and education, contact the Offutt SARC Office at 232-9999. Information is also available at the Joint Task Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Web site at http://www.sapr.mil.