SARC provides advice for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Sexual Assault Awareness Month begins April 1 and Eglin's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator would like to spread the word on some facts and statistics during this time.

Sexual assault awareness month helps to combat myths and misunderstandings about sexual assault held by both the military and the population in general, according to the Eglin SARC office.

Since the Department of Defense released a study on sexual assault in 2003, all military branches have stepped up their training and victim assistance programs. As a result, sexual assault reports have increased.

According to Eglin's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Yvonne Viel, this is a good trend.

"The increase in reported cases indicates people trust the military services to address accusations of sexual assault while still caring for the victim," she said.

For fiscal-year 2008, there were 2,908 sexual assaults reported by military members.

After the 2003 DoD study, restricted reporting was implemented because victims did not report from fear of repeated victimization. Victims felt the legal system made them relive the traumatic event by having to testify in court and they had no choice in the matter.

Now, victims can initially file a restricted report, get medical treatment, and deal with the trauma before unrestricting their report to pursue legal action if they so choose.

During the medical examination, victims can decide to have medical personnel take evidence or not. This evidence can be held for later use in a case created through an unrestricted report. However, the longer a victim waits to give evidence or prosecute, the less likely a case is to convict. Although, many cases are still won after a long wait particularly if outside witnesses are involved.

The SARC and victim advocates support sexual assault victims through getting the victims medical care, counseling, and generally supporting them. A victim can get assistance from the SARC whether he or she decides to file a restricted or unrestricted report.

"The more we talk about sexual assault, the harder it is for perpetrators to commit their crime. They don't want us to talk about sexual assault," said Ms. Viel.

According to the 2009 Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network report, rape is the most unreported crime in America. A 2006 Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Survey showed more than 73 percent of victims know their attacker and other data shows 60 percent of assaults happen in the victim's or an acquaintance's home.

In support of sexual assault awareness month, the SARC will bring in speakers and displays throughout the month to raise the base's awareness level. To contact the SARC office, call (850)882-7272 or (850) 240-3219 after hours.

UPDATE

In addition to standard Air Force programs, Eglin is standing up a sexual assault support group for victims of sexual assault. The Eglin SARC, Yvonne Viel, explained how this program is for all survivors of sexual assault whether it happend yesterday or years ago.

"Our goal is to get people together to share their experiences and let them know they aren't alone," she said.

Eglin mental health resident 1st Lt. Mayara Mercado is helping to facilitate the support group. "We use a research based book titled "I Never Called It Rape" by Robin Warshaw which analyzes how sexual assault changes a person's day-to-day life. Specifically it adresses self-blame and the realities of sexual assault." 

The group setting helps people to know they aren't the only ones experiencing these feelings" she said.

"We have victims out there. Our Line of Courage display attest to that," said Ms. Viel.  Many times though, people are afraid of the stigma associated with sexual assault. This group is a way to remain confidential but still be able to get help by talking to others.  This is a work in progress for Eglin but we think it will help."

Sexual Assault Prevention tips:

Be aware of date rape drugs.
Do not accept beverages from open containers and do not leave your drink unattended. If you do, get a new drink and always watch the bartender pour it.

Be in charge of your life.
Do not put yourself in a situation where you have to rely on other people to take care of you. Also, when on a date, do not feel you "owe" that person anything.

Be cautious inviting someone into your home or going into someone else's home.
Three out of five sexual assaults occur in the victim's home or the home of an acquaintance.

Do not mix sexual decisions with drugs and alcohol.
Your ability to make smart decisions is hampered when you are high or drunk.

When going out with someone new, do not feel you have to go alone.
Go on a group date or meet in a public place.

Walk near the curb.
Avoid passing close to shrubbery, dark doorways, or other places of concealment.

Avoid falling for lines such as "If you loved me..."
If your partner loved you, he/she would respect your feelings and wait until you are ready.

Use only well-lit entrances.
If you notice an entrance without appropriate lighting, notify your landlord or a maintenance person.

Trust your gut.
If you do not feel comfortable in a situation, leave.

Avoid individuals who:
Do not listen to you
Ignore personal space boundaries
Make you feel guilty or accuse you of being "uptight" for resisting sexual advances
Express sexist attitudes or jokes
Act excessively jealous or possessive