Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Invisible scars and dismantling a culture of sexual violence

Photo By Master Sgt. Arthur Wright | During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we bring awareness to sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, sexual abuse, stalking, hazing, sexual harassment, intervention, prevention, and being committed to being an active by standard. This year's DoD's theme is “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate." The campaign underlines eliminating sexual assault and sexual harassment by working together to build a respectful culture for all. And the critical roles in strengthening command climate by engaging in behaviors that protect others. (U.S. Air National Guard graphic by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

03.31.2024

Courtesy Story

DC National Guard

WASHINGTON — Amanda Dunsford, Victim Advocate Coordinator, District of Columbia National Guard, provides an op-ed on the active role members play in sexual assault prevention and intervention this month and year-round.

It is a privilege to serve one’s country, it's also a privilege to walk amongst those who serve. The mantle of military service is an enduring hardship that lasts well beyond the tenure of wearing the uniform. We take off our uniform, we step aside for those who are younger, faster, less tired, and we go home and wear the scars sustained over years of military service.

There are some in this formation who wear scars, invisible scars, evidence of abuse and trauma that no one should endure. They come to work intending to serve their country, community, and fellow citizens and have the very rights they defend stripped from them. They serve in our ranks among those with whom they believe they could go into harm’s way. Instead, they go home the victims of intolerable, unthinkable violations of their humanity, committed by those whom they trust—their brothers and sisters in uniform.

As the Victim Advocate Coordinator for the District of Columbia National Guard, I assist the State Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) with the credentialing, qualification, and employment of our victim advocates. For the last four months, however, I have been serving as the interim SAPRO, managing the compliance of the joint SAPR program for the District.

I have updated the command on the new policies—specifically Chief National Guard Bureau Instructions (CNGBI)—that have been released in the last year and made program changes to ensure our SAPR program complies with higher guidance. As a former program manager and analyst at National Guard Bureau and Army SHARP Foundation Course Instructor, I’ve been able to bring what I know from higher levels of Army SHARP program management to the State level.

My in-depth experience auditing the states has helped me find and rectify weaknesses within our own program and make DC’s program better for the incoming SAPRO. Lastly, I am passionate about this program for many reasons. Nobody deserves to experience such a tragedy and it is my mission to advocate and provide resources to any service member who is in need.

I have served as a Victim Advocate and a SARC both in Title 32 and Title 10 positions and I recognize the National Guard has the most difficulty navigating the complexities of transitioning service members back to their state after an incident has occurred on Title 10. My knowledge of this process helps to ensure none of our Soldiers or Airmen suffer beyond what has occurred to them because certain individuals don’t understand the processes a member returning to Title 32 goes through.

It is a true privilege to walk alongside someone in their darkest moments and let them know, they are not alone. It’s a true privilege to stand with you. This April, we honor them by bringing awareness to sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, sexual abuse, stalking, hazing, sexual harassment, intervention, prevention, and being committed to being an active by standard.

On March 29, 2024, the President issued a Proclamation on National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention:

"Sexual violence affects every community in this Nation, leaving millions of Americans—our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and loved ones— scarred. For many survivors, healing can take years, and for some, the pain never heals completely. During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we recommit to standing with survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and bringing an end to a culture that has allowed sexual assault to occur for far too long.

More than half of all women and nearly one-third of all men in America have experienced sexual violence. The rate of sexual violence is even higher for people of color. Survivors have faced this violence wherever life happens—at work, at school, at home, and online. It can upend people’s jobs and contribute to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is an insult to our most basic humanity and everything we stand for as a Nation." (White House, 2024).

In closing, during the month of April, the D.C. National Guard commits to dismantling the culture that allows sexual violence amongst our ranks. We stand up and embrace our brothers and sisters and ensure that, when the uniform comes off, no one goes home wearing the unnecessary scars of sexual violence.

For more information and resources:

DC ARNG 24/7 Hotline: [phone]
74th Troop Command 24/7 Hotline: [phone]
113th Wing Hotline: [phone]
DoD Safe Helpline: Home | Safe helpline 1-877-995-5247
Rainn.org | 800.656.HOPE

• Date Taken: 03.31.2024
• Date Posted: 04.01.2024 11:44
• Story ID: 467445
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US