SAPR First Responder Training Course Conducted at Naval Air Facility Misawa

Photo By Samuel Weldin | 161209-N-OK605-019 MISAWA, Japan (Dec. 9, 2016) Instructors from the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) travelled to Misawa Air Base to conduct a week long first responder training course for representatives from the Navy and Air Force. IVAT is a comprehensive resource, training and research center dealing with all aspects of violence, abuse and trauma. The IVAT 30 hour course assisted students in better understanding of all aspects of client care and aims to improve system response and care. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Weldin/Released)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

12.09.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Weldin 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) – Instructors from the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) traveled to Misawa Air Base to conduct a week long first responder training course for representatives from the Navy and Air Force Dec. 6-9.

"Bringing this training to the installation allows us to learn from world renown experts and keep up with best practices already in use stateside.” said Raymond Torp, Misawa Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Specialist. “The 46 student class was the largest IVAT class to date in the Pacific region."

Students included staff from Air Force and Navy Chaplains offices, firefighters, security forces, medical personnel (to include Sexual Assault Medical Forensic team members), Sexual Assault Prevention and Response staff (Coordinators, Point of Contacts, and Victim Advocates).

IVAT is a comprehensive resource, training and research center dealing with all aspects of violence, abuse and trauma. The IVAT 30 hour course assisted students in better understanding of all aspects of client care and aims to improve system response and care here at Misawa Air Base.

The instructors were based out of San Diego. Dr. Morgan Shaw and Ms. Patricia Smith engaged with the 46 student class in a variety of interactive exercises, classroom activities and thought provoking discussions exploring all aspects of human condition.

“It helped me to understand how to truly engage with victims of trauma on that first interaction after the act,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kayla Proper, from Naval Air Facility Security Department and also a SAPR First Responder for the command . “How to truly understand why a victim can act the way they do or respond to certain approaches better than others. It was extremely helpful because in my line of duty as a first responder we are usually the first to be contacted and it's important to know and be able to support the victim to the best of our ability and get them the help they need."

“The joint and combined efforts of the Misawa community led directly to success of this class,” said Torp.

The Misawa Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team has a robust continuing education program, to find out about future training, please call the installation SAPR office at 226-SAPR (7277) or email
[e-mail] .

• Date Taken: 12.09.2016
• Date Posted: 12.20.2016 21:35
• Story ID: 218324
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP