Local Sexual Assault Prevention and Response sources

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tina Baker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Providing first-class care to a victim, regardless of where he or she is located, constitutes the core of the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.

In order to provide consistent levels of care to victims, local personnel, known as Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Victim Advocates (VAs) respond to assaults, ensuring the appropriate level of care is provided to each victim. In addition, each installation having a SARC has a team of first-responders who play a significant role in response, they include: Heath Care Providers, Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigators, Judge Advocates and Chaplains.

Here at Eielson AFB, we are fortunate to have Chap. (Capt.) Patrick Genseal, who is a subject-matter expert in the area of sexual trauma having recently completed AFIT and received his master's degree in working with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

SARCs manage each installation's SAPR program, serving as the single point of contact to coordinate sexual assault victim care and track the services provided to the victim from the initial report of a sexual assault through disposition and resolution of the victim's health and well-being.

While the SARC primarily provides management and oversight of victim care, the VA provides a 24/7 direct response to victims. VAs assists victims in navigating the military's response network. They are not counselors, therapists, or investigators, but instead, they (to include the SARC) furnish accurate and comprehensive information on available options and resources so the victim can make informed decisions about their care and involvement in the investigative process.

Should you or someone you know be victimized by this crime, I hope I will be the first call you make. The call can be anonymous and you will have lost nothing, but you will have opened the door to received care, information and available reporting options. The 24/7 SARC hotline number is: 377-SARC.

If you are not comfortable with contacting me, please consider contacting Chaplain Genseal at 377-2130 during duty hours, or 24/7 through the Command Post at 377-1500.