Medical Airmen explain sexual assault medical exams

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nicole Molett, the emergency services flight commander of the 35th Medical Operations Squadron, right, shows Master Sgt. Jose Sanchez, the fire alarm systems NCO-in-charge with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, a toluidine blue dye sample during the victim advocates training at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 25, 2016. The dye is used during sexual assault medical exams, which can detect and document genital and perianal injuries after an attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deana Heitzman)

Sexual assault DNA medical kits

A Sailor assigned to the Naval Air Facility Misawa looks at a medical kit used to gain DNA samples after a sexual assault during the victim advocates training at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 25, 2016. Representatives from the 35th Medical Group and the legal office performed demonstrations to the 19 Sailors and Airmen in attendance, helping them understand the process after a sexual assault is reported. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deana Heitzman)

Graduating victim advocates training

U.S. Air Force Col. Travis Rex, the vice commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, speaks with graduates of the victims advocate training course at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 26, 2016. In order to become a victim advocate, volunteers must hold the grade of E-4, O-2, GS-07 or higher, have an interview with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, pass a background check, attend this course and become certified by the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deana Heitzman)

Misawa Airmen, Sailors graduate victim advocate course

Published March 2, 2016
By Senior Airman Deana Heitzman
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Nineteen Airmen and Sailors graduated victim advocates training, Feb. 26, conducted by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office, certifying the trainees to lend a helping hand to those who have suffered from sexual assault, harassment or abuse.

The five-day course provided an outline for the SAPR program, roles of a victim advocate, procedures from various agencies involved, reporting procedures and communication skills.

"As a victim advocate, we're here to support someone who is going through a very stressful time in their life," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Kessinger, a Naval Air Facility Misawa aviation ordnanceman. "We provide them with the resources and procedures available to create a plan of action, while giving reassuring communication to the victim."

Although the need for victim advocates is high, not everyone can volunteer. At Misawa, in order to become a victim advocate, volunteers must hold the grade of E-4, O-2, GS-07 or higher, have an interview with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, pass a background check and attend the course to become certified. This course is offered once per year.

Throughout the week, the prospective victim advocates sat through briefs and demonstrations to learn about what the victim may undergo. This prepares the advocate for real-life scenarios they are called to.

The legal office performed a mock sexual assault trial, allowing the class to determine the fate of the pseudo assailant. The medical group came into the class to describe, in detail, what a medical exam consists of after an assault. Other agencies, such as the Office of Special Investigation and Mental Health, shared how they are involved with the process as well.

"Victim advocates need to be well-rounded on the sexual assault reporting process," said 1st Lt. Caitlin Williams, Misawa's SARC. "Once they know what a survivor will go through, they can be more supportive and understanding throughout every step."

Before the graduates become victim advocates, all paperwork must be submitted to the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program, who meet only four times a year. After everything is submitted and processed, the graduates find out about their certification in approximately four weeks. Once certified by D-SAACP, it lasts for two years.

After becoming certified, victim advocates are wingman--not only to those who are serving in the military, but to anyone has been a victim to sexual assault, harassment or abuse.

"If my wife, daughter or I were sexually assaulted, I would want the best and most informed person supporting us," said Kessinger. "This course helped me understand what I can provide to a victim and how to support them in any way possible."