SARC offers help to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Reporting an assault may be a tough step for a victim, but with the help of Eielson's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, informed decisions can be made.

The encouraging atmosphere the SARC provides is key in giving Airmen the comfort they need to report sexual assaults.

The SARC provides support, by helping the victim with the necessary tasks and helps victims understand reporting procedures and options.

For example, they help ensure the individual knows the difference between restricted and unrestricted reports, in which restricted reports do not generate an investigation and unrestricted reports do.

Capt. Allyson Strickland, 354th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said inappropriate actions can escalate to sexual assault.

"Any assault is one too many. There is no tolerance for sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is in place to help individuals," said Strickland.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley recently sent a memo emphasizing the stance Airmen must take against sexual assault.

"Airmen cannot allow this destructive behavior to persist in our Air Force," said Donley.

Even if it means being in an uncomfortable situation, the chance to stop a potentially harmful situation is the responsibility of every Airman. There are many resources available for those who need it.

Because people react differently, what may take one person weeks to overcome may take another person years. With the services available here, those who have encountered this issue may get as much or little help as needed for them to regain the level of comfort they had.

Family Advocacy, Mental Health, Military Family Life Consultants, Military One Source and the Fairbanks Center for nonviolent living are just some of the resources Eielson offers. Whether the incident occurred prior to the start of the person's military service or after, the SARC is available to assist and give their support. For more information or to speak with the SARC, call 377-7272.