“The work our victim advocates do to support the victims of sexual assault with compassion and decency is invaluable and upholds our commitment of zero tolerance for sexual abuse at this command and throughout the Navy,” said Capt. Anne Lear, Naval Hospital Beaufort’s commanding officer. “When one of our Sailors or one of our family members is sexually assaulted, it affects each and every one of us on some level and ultimately degrades mission readiness. What affects one, truly does affect all.”
The graduation and proclamation reading, which was coordinated by Kayla Mendoza, the command’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), was provided as a way of honoring Naval Hospital Beaufort’s new and current VA’s for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to mission readiness by volunteering to support the command’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR).
“April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we will spend the month focused on raising awareness about the importance of preventing sexual assault, but it’s also important to recognize those who are personally dedicated to helping the victims,” said Mendoza. “Becoming a victim advocate requires over 40 hours of training, getting a background check, and becoming nationally certified. For all of our victim advocates, this is on top of their regular, day-to-day jobs because this is a collateral duty.”
The VA’s provide support and advocacy for victims of sexual assault every step of the way. VA’s provide initial crisis intervention, stand by during physical examinations and interviews, provide information about the different reporting options, assist victims in obtaining medical and mental health care, and even accompany them to court proceedings.
Naval Hospital Beaufort Victim Advocates are trained to empower victims to make their own choices to help them regain power and control after an assault. Sexual assault is not a crime of passion but one of power and control and the victim advocacy process can empower victims on the road to recovery.
According to Mendoza, the hospital has 18 DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program certified VA’s and 12 in the credentialing process. Naval Hospital Beaufort has both male and female VA’s, and unlike other services that require a VA to be an E6 or above, the Navy encourages advocates from all pay grades.
“Sexual assault victims can be any age or gender,” said Mendoza. “A victim of sexual assault may feel more comfortable with a peer; someone from their age group or similar rank” And because sexual assault can happen to anyone male or female, officer or enlisted, it’s important that we have a diverse group of victim advocates provide support and advocacy.”
Mendoza says the command has been incredibly supportive of the program and ensuring that the VA’s have the time they need to complete their training requirements and be available when they have duty.
“This command is not going to stand for any sexual assault and they’re doing everything they can to make sure that everyone at Naval Hospital Beaufort is safe.”
Open since 1949, Naval Hospital Beaufort provides general medical, surgical and urgent care services to all active duty personnel, as well as retired military and family members residing in the Beaufort area, a total population of approximately 29,000 beneficiaries.
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2016 16:30 |
| Story ID: | 194330 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Naval Hospital Beaufort Graduates New Victim Advocates, by Capt. Lisa Allen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT