MND-B Soldiers blow whistle on sexual assault

By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans
Multi-National Division - Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers have been working to raise awareness of sexual assault in and around Camp Liberty by hosting training programs designed to prepare unit representatives to properly handle sexual assault cases with the level of dignity and respect victims deserve when he or she undergoes the reporting process.

The restricted program, which was implemented by the Department of Defense in 2005, gives victims of sexual assault the opportunity to receive the care they need after being assaulted.

"The way the program used to work, we just had the unrestricted reporting option," said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Perry, a native of Birmingham, Al., who serves as the MND-B deployed sexual assault response coordinator. "When someone was sexually assaulted, they brought it to their chain of command, and they initiated a formal investigation with (Criminal Investigation Command) involvement. There was very little sensitivity to the fact the Soldier has just been through a very traumatic experience in their life. Also, if the Soldier needed medical care, that wasn't an option, it had to go through the whole investigation first."

Now, the implementation of the new program added options for a victim to choose the services he or she needs to get through the traumatic assault.

"In 2005 (the DoD) came out with the restricted reporting process," said Perry. "What this program allows is if a Soldier has been sexually assaulted, they can go to certain key people in the program, such as the sexual assault response coordinators, the unit victim advocates, medical personnel at the troop medical clinics or the chaplains, which allows us to provide services for the assaulted Soldier."

Perry mentioned the Soldier's chain of command is still informed with the restricted reporting option, but the Soldier is given the opportunity to receive the medical care, psychological care or whatever resources they choose.

"This allows the Soldiers to make choices early on," he continued.

When sexual assault cases occur in MND-B, unit commanders have resources to help victims through the reporting process.

"I would like everyone in the command to think unit victim advocate, or UVA, every time they hear sexual assault," said Maj. Pete Stanonik, a native of Killeen, Texas, who serves as the MND-B sexual assault prevention and response program coordinator.

April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month where MND-B Soldiers recognized the dangers of sexual assault and learned about the programs, which are offered when someone is sexually assaulted.

"We're letting young people know times have changed," said Stanonik. "The good-old-boy type attitudes toward sexual assaults no longer exist in society. It is the UVA's job to keep sexual assault awareness up in their units."

Sexual assault is a crime that can happen to anyone and there are ways of reducing the chance of being sexually assaulted, explained Perry.

"Sexual assault is not a crime that only happens to women, it can happen to anybody at any time, to include the strong bodybuilder who always works out in the gym," he said. "If someone wants to sexually assault another person, they will find a way. The best way to prevent this is to use the buddy system."

Materials, such as information pamphlets and sexual assault whistles, are available at the MND-B deployed sexual assault response office behind the Ironhorse Sports Oasis.

Victims of sexual assault should feel comfortable knowing there are trained professionals who are capable of properly handling sexual assault cases with the wellbeing of the victim in mind.