Knowledge can make a difference Published April 9, 2007 By Vicki Majors 301st Fighter Wing FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, "Stand Up Against Sexual Assault ... Make a Difference". The Department of Defense remains committed to eliminating sexual assault from the ranks of the military. Some of the major DOD and U.S. Air Force initiatives include prevention through education and training. The 2007 annual sexual assault prevention training will soon commence throughout the wing. Many 301st Fighter Wing members at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas had a very positive reaction to the initial Targeting Sexual Assault video training received last year, saying it was one of the best training videos they had seen. National statistics tell us one in 33 men (three percent) and one in six women (17 percent) reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives. Given these statistics, some people in our wing have been victimized in the past and the video may have elicited a negative emotional reaction. If you have concerns about this training, call me to discuss your concerns, options and the training content. Another major component of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program is dedicated support. This is why you have a full-time Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and why we have a small cadre of volunteer victim advocates. Victim advocates provide 24/7 direct response to victims. They're not counselors, therapists or investigators - VAs help the victim navigate the system and understand options and resources available to assist them if needed. If you'd like to be a volunteer victim advocate, contact me for more details. A major system change DOD implemented in 2005 was the reporting options. Through the DOD Task Force on Sexual Assault, results found many military sexual assault victims didn't report this crime because they didn't want an investigation, didn't want their command to know. DOD now has a restricted reporting option in which a victim may report to a medical provider, victim advocate, SARC, or chaplain and not have to report the crime if they elect the restricted report. It's Air Force and DOD's desire that sexual assault victims get the support and assistance they deserve while deciding whether to make an unrestricted report. In 2005, out of 435 restricted reports DOD-wide, 108 victims decided to change their report to unrestricted and participate in a criminal investigation. How can you make a difference? You can be a volunteer victim advocate, with the 301st or the Navy. The reality is that you probably won't get called very often, if at all. The Women's Center of Tarrant County has many volunteer opportunities by calling 817.927.4039. If you're a rape crisis volunteer for the Women's Center, believe me, you will be called! In Dallas, you can call the Parkland Hospital Victim Intervention Program, 214.590.4285, and see what volunteer opportunities they have to offer. Saturday, April 14, 2007, is the annual Victory Over Violence walk/run at Fort Worth's Trinity Park. Since most of you won't be available to participate that day, it's the only April drill weekend; you can sponsor someone who is participating. For more details or questions, call 817.927.4006. But you don't have to volunteer or donate money to make a difference! Live by the Air Force core values, be a good Wingman, and you will make a difference! Integrity First: be honest, caring, and do what's right - don't just give lip service. Service Before Self: look out for each other, not just yourself! Excellence In All We Do: be the best Wingman you can be. For more information, call the SARC, during duty hours at 817.782.3827 or on her cell phone anytime at 817.401.5046.