SARC holds classes for Victim’s Advocates

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Master Sgt Daniel Mendoza used to listen to the horror stories his wife told while she worked at a domestic violence center in Hawaii.

The Career Development Course writer at the 366th Training Squadron decided to stop listening to the stories and become a part of the recovery process for victims three years ago when he volunteered to become a Victim's Advocate.

More Sheppard personnel can do this by attending Victim's Advocate classes Feb. 16, 17, 19, 23 and 25 at the Sheppard Inn in Bldg. 1600. The courses are hosted by the 82nd Training Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator office.

"Becoming a VA does put you closer to these crimes, but with an incredibly positive effect--you're helping someone in need," he said. "My wife used to work at a Domestic Violence Center in Hawaii and all I could do was listen to her tell me the intense horror stories of what people had been through.

"Some of these people have been through sexual assault, violence, shootings and stabbings, and even enslavement," he said.

As a victim's advocate, Sergeant Mendoza didn't only help people recover from incidents that occurred while in the military, but also prior to military life. He said he's helped both males and females.

1st Lt. Jacinta Anderson-Lujano, the deputy SARC, said there are males that need another male as an advocate so men, please don't hesitate to sign up.

"Victim's advocate s are the heart of the SARC program," Lieutenant Anderson-Lujano said. "They help the victims move on, ultimately aiding in the healing process. Male or female, after you've been through something like this, you can't be expected to know everything about the process of recovery."

Victim's advocates are a "one-stop shop" for clients. From the rape exam to the prosecution of the attacker, the client can call their victim's advocate or the SARC office with questions or for support.

"Being a victim's advocate can be quite challenging, especially because of the time we put in off duty, but the reward of seeing someone overcome their obstacle and move on is great," Sergeant Mendoza said.

Lieutenant Anderson-Lujano said people sign up to become victim's advocates for different reasons. Some enroll because they just want to give back. Others join because they know someone affected by sexual assault. However, Sergeant Mendoza's motive was different.

"I signed up because I felt that the victims are predominantly female, and I wanted to be an example to them," Sergeant Mendoza said. "I wanted to show them that all men aren't like that. I don't want these victims to use their attackers to stereotype all men. It's a hard transition to go from being a victim to a normal person again, but it is always possible."

For more information about the Victim's advocate classes, please contact the SARC office at 676-7272.