Photo By Tech. Sgt. Ashley Taylor | Tessa, the Air Force’s first Sexual Assault Prevention and Response K-9, poses for...... read more read more
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month and recently named the 2017 Pacific Air Forces Exceptional Air Force Sexual Assault and Response Team, Eielson is showcasing their newest 4-legged Victim Advocate.
Tessa, the Air Force’s first Sexual Assault Prevention and Response K-9, is the most recent asset to the Eielson SAPR program, allowing an alternative comfort solution when victims come forward.
“Tessa brings a stability to reconnect with victims who have emotionally disconnected because of the traumatic event they have gone through,” said Shellie Severa, the 354th Fighter Wing SAPR head victim advocate. “Each individual is different on how they are going to handle their trauma, but one of the biggest things we see with almost all trauma victims is lack of trust, and trust can be reestablished through the assistance of a dog.”
Severa, a 9-year victim advocate and certified K-9 trainer, serves as Tessa’s primary handler who works daily with Tessa to ensure she remains mentally prepared to work with a victim. To gain exposure and familiarity for Tessa, Severa takes her around the installation to interact with many different people so she can learn her role as a service dog.
“The most difficult part for people is realizing Tessa isn't a puppy to be played with and rough house; she must remain in a work mindset and stay readily available to assist a victim if needed,” said Severa. “I distinguish work from play time by placing her work vest on and telling Tessa, ‘It’s time to go to work,’ and she understands we have a job to do.”
Beginning in the winter of 2016, the now 5-month old Golden Retriever has already assisted seven victims, allowing the SAPR program to enhance its role around the 354th Fighter Wing.
“We are having victims come out of the shadows who were afraid for numerous reasons to report; having a dog in the program is important for them to realize this is a place where they are safe and can rebuild trust,” said Severa. “Tessa has brought many smiles to people engaging with her, and encouraged people to tell their story, which helps them have a voice again and take back the power they lost.”
To initiate a new program such as the SAPR K-9, the support of many individuals were required, along with many people working behind the scenes to ensure Tessa could successfully gain her credentials as a service dog.
“As the base Public Health Officer and a veterinarian, I facilitated the use of Tessa as a service dog,” said Maj. Kelly Franklin, the 354th Medical Operations Squadron public health flight commander. “I reviewed Tessa’s vaccination records, her service dog certification and verified Mrs. Severa's credentials as a handler.”
Aside from focusing on the formal certifications and medical aspects to Tessa, Franklin had to look at how well Tessa connected with others.
“I also observed Tessa's behavior and evaluated her temperament to see how she interacts with people to ensure she was a good fit for the Air Force,” said Franklin. “I look forward to watching Tessa with her handlers and seeing the progression and impact they will have at Eielson AFB and throughout the Air Force.”
The SAPR team hopes the success of Tessa will encourage other bases to follow-suit, allowing the primary focus of victim care to increase across the Department of Defense.
"It’s been phenomenal having a tiny member of our team accomplish so much positivity in the short amount of time she’s been here," said Capt. Heather Novus, the 354th FW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “I hope we can smooth the transition for other bases to adopt a SAPR K-9 and would love to assist supporting this idea across other installations and can ease the process for others to adopt what has been a successful program so far.”
More than six years in the SAPR program, Novus appreciates Tessa and says an increase in reporting means she is doing her job and improving the reputation of the SAPR office in an inspiring way.
“We know sexual assaults are happening and Tessa has brought people forward that otherwise might not be comfortable with the SAPR office,” said Novus. “We want victims to come forward without hesitation and with the understanding they can talk to us without being required to make a report, and so we can direct them to the agencies they need assistance from.”
The Eielson SAPR office will host multiple events during SAAPM month, including opportunities each week to have the Icemen meet Tessa in hopes it will raise awareness about her presence.
To report a sexual assault, learn more about Tessa or become a victim advocate, please contact the SAPR office at 377-0027 or 377-7208.
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.17.2017 20:29 |
| Story ID: | 229853 |
| Location: | EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Eielson initiates pilot program for SAPR K-9, by TSgt Ashley Taylor, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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