'Ask, Act and Intervene;' awareness is key to prevention Published May 8, 2008 By Senior Airman Stephenie Wade 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AFB, Fla -- For the third consecutive year, the Department of Defense is observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month during April. This year, the DoD theme for SAAM is Prevent Sexual Assault: "Ask...if friends need help, Act...when they do and Intervene...when you see trouble." "SAAM focuses on the ability of every servicemember to prevent sexual assault by taking an active role in looking out for the welfare of friends and co-workers," said Eliza Zimmerman, chief of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. "Be a proactive by-stander. If you notice inappropriate behavior occurring or if someone is being victimized, help that person by being a good wingman, protect and support each other." In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2008, MacDill invited Ms. Veraunda I. Jackson J. D., founder of Everything Has a Price Educational Center to speak to Airman to educate them on sexual assault and how to respond. Tuesday she briefed at the base Education Center lecture auditorium for first responders and victim advocates at the base theater, Wednesday to the base population of E1 - E4. Ms. Jackson is a graduate of Florida State University College of Law. She is featured on the Armed Forces Network (AFN) providing infomercials about the Air Force Sexual Assault Program. During Ms. Jackson's discussion on Tuesday, she provided first responders with the information and vital skills needed handle a victims as a first responder and how to deal with the victim when the time comes. A victim advocate is a first responder and helps the victim through the process but never councils. She went on to say, most victims do not disclose on their own. Most victims are raped or molested by someone they know or work with, making it difficult to disclose. This is one of the reasons why we have restricted and unrestricted reporting. Restricted Reporting allows a Service member to report or disclose to specified officials (Health care provider, Chaplain, SARC, Victim Advocate) that he or she has been the victim of a sexual assault. The restricted reporting option is only available to those sexual assault victims who are Service members. However, it may not be an option if the sexual assault occurs outside the military installation or the victim first reports to t civilian facility and /or a civilian authority and varies by state. Unrestricted Reporting is defined as sexual assault cases that are reported to law enforcement. But regardless of reporting, a sexual assault victim will always be assigned a victim advocate and offered medical services, counseling, support and all program advocacy services. "But if you do not believe the victim you cannot help them," she said. Then she shared a secret with the audience, "No matter how terrible it is or how painful it may seem, is safer than the incredible risk of telling and not being believed from a victims point of view." "It is important as a victim advocate to tell the truth, don't make promises you can't keep and focus on helping them heal," she stated. The Sexual Assault Response Center on MacDill offers education and training services for the base. Throughout the month of April, victim advocates will be located throughout the base providing vital program information to civilians, contractors, family members and military personnel. Each year the SARP increases the knowledge base and level of awareness through program services. If you are interested in becoming a first responder you may contact the SARP. Remember anyone can become a victim of sexual assault. If it's not consented freely, it is a crime.