Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberThe new Sexual Assault Prevention and Response victim advocates are (back row, left to right) Michael Olson, Kyle Mehlhoff, Tracey Granger, Brandon King (Front Row, left to right) Teslin Turley, Chase Hacault, Arreonnio Jackson and Veronica Calhoun. The decorated t-shirts in the background were created by various individuals as part of a “Support for Survivors” campaign.
The newest group of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates for Edwards AFB attended training for their national certification Oct. 19-23.
The initial 40-hour training conducted is a component of the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program. The certification is good for two years and the group is scheduled to start serving early 2016.
Air Force victim advocates are active duty military personnel and DOD civilian employees selected by the Edwards Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and provide essential support, liaison services and care to a sexual assault victim.
Advocate responsibilities include:
· Providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support
· Providing information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about the case
· Services will continue until the victim states support is no longer needed
· Does not provide counseling or other professional services to a victim
· May be present with the victim, at the victim’s request, during investigative interviews and medical examinations
For more information, contact the Edwards SAPR office at 661-277-2772 or visit http://www.edwards.af.mil/units/sapr/index.asp.
Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberDetective John Amis, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, addressed the victim advocates during a training day Oct. 21.
