SAPR seeks volunteers to help victims

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kevin Clites
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – The Sheppard Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office is seeking volunteers to provide a valuable resource to victims of sexual assault.

Victim advocates provide a first response to sexual assaults by providing essential care to victims of sexual assault; this includes crisis intervention, liaison services, and non-clinical support.

First Lt. Chandrika Brewton, deputy Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said VAs go with victims to medical treatment and appointments or Air Force Office of Special Investigation interviews.

“They are trained to do almost everything I can do as a SARC,” she said. “They can take the report. They learn how to facilitate conversation with the victims. They learn how to care, treat, and be an advocate for the victim.”

However, preparing an individual to provide this level of support requires extensive training. To become a VA, individuals must complete a 40-hour, nationally accredited Victim Advocate course, which is offered annually.

This year, the nationally accredited course will be June 18-22.

To be eligible to attend, applicants must be an E-4 or higher if enlisted, 0-2 or higher if officer, GS-7 or higher if civilian. Additionally, applicants must be at least 21 years old. Mandatory reporters are not eligible to apply.

Additionally, first sergeants, chief master sergeants, individuals associated with law enforcement or investigations, individuals assigned to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, individuals assigned to Equal Opportunity offices, individuals assigned to the Office of the Installation Staff Chaplain, or individuals assigned to the wing's Inspector General staff are not eligible to serve as VA’s.

Currently, Sheppard’s SAPR office has only 16 VA’s to cover the entire 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing. If you are interested in serving as a victim advocate please contact 1st Lt. Chandrika Brewton by e-mail at: Chandrika.brewton.1@us.af.mil or by phone at DSN: 736-0635 Comm: 940-676-0635.