FORT STEWART, Ga. - The grand opening of the new Marne Advocacy Resource Center consolidates services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims seeking help on Fort Stewart.
Sgt. 1st Class Natalie Lewis, 3rd Infantry Division Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program manger explained that previously, victims seeking help had to visit several different locations on Fort Stewart for their needs. With the opening of this new facility services ranging from behavioral health, family and child advocacy, Criminal Investigation Command, and equal opportunity all reside under one roof.
Lt. Col. Bill Anderson, MARC program manager, further emphasized the benefits of providing all of these services in one location saying that by having all of these specialists in one spot ensures that victims receive the support they need.
Both Lewis and Anderson spoke confidently that they didn’t believe there has been an increase in incidents on Fort Stewart but rather an increase in reporting. This trend, they said, has a lot to do with the services and support available to victims.
3rd ID Commanding General Maj. Gen. John M. Murray, during his remarks, asked the audience who was involved in preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment. When the entire crown came to their feet Murray said, “That’s right. Everybody should be standing.”
Following the outdoor ceremony guests were invited inside to participate in a cake cutting by the MARC staff and tour the new consolidated location.
The MARC will be staffed during normal business hours, but advocates are on call 24 hours a day, Lewis explained. “I think victims will find that Maj. Gen. Murray and the chain of command here really do care.”