SARC advocates train, prepare , strengthen Gunfighters

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Victim Advocates from Mountain Home Air Force Base attended training at the Women and Childrens Alliance and Family Advocacy Center and Education Services, Sept. 11, 2014, in Boise, Idaho.

The WCA and FACES both provide services to individuals who have been physically or sexually abused.

"The purpose of the tour was to provide training and increase the knowledge of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Volunteer Victim Advocates," said Laura Clagg 366th Fighter Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "We realize no one program provides all services so it's important to know what the community offers. Additionally, it was important for the VVA's to know how to locate these programs especially if they need to take a client to one."

The tour familiarized the volunteers with the services provided by both organizations such as a 24-hour domestic violence hotline and individual counseling.

"It will benefit everyone at Mountain Home Air Force Base in knowing what resources are available in order to put people in the right direction," said 1st Lt. Jazmine Hood, 366th Force Support Squadron chief of installation personnel readiness. "It helps us take care of each other and it allows leaders to know how to take care of all Air Force members including families."

Clagg stated the most rewarding part of the job is knowing you were able to connect someone to a service they need.

By getting the needed training to victim advocates, they will be more capable of helping Gunfighters who have been physically or sexually abused.

"Individuals who are assaulted often feel alone, as if they are the only ones who have gone through something so traumatic," said Katherine Miller, 366th FW victim advocate. "When others share their stories it allows others to see they are not alone and that there is support for them."

The programs are important to ensure the best possible care for Airmen and their families.

"Understanding the resources and availability of programs we have better helps Gunfighters," said Clagg. "If someone contacts our program but are not eligible to use our services we refer them to the appropriate community agency. By making community partnerships they, in return, will know how to refer Airmen or other military members to us."