Sheppard receives SARC training Published Aug. 18, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sexual assault is a crime that affects everyone long after the attack occurs. Victims are impacted in various ways and often need assistance overcoming the tragedy. The Sheppard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office sets out to lend a hand to these victims in raising awareness Aug. 12 by beginning to provide Airmen with training about the unfortunate occurrences and their effects. "The training will make individuals aware of the protocol when helping victims in order to ensure victims feel their best interests are our number one priority, (which will enhance) the willingness for victims to come forward to begin healing," said Capt. Jaimie Gallego, 82nd Training Wing SARC assistant. The healing process is made of up of different steps for the victim. "The first step in a victim's healing process is admitting to someone that they're a victim of sexual assault," she said. To better help Airmen understand the steps of recovery and other elements of sexual assault the training has been specially designed to address certain topics. "The training consists of an eight-minute PowerPoint presentation that covers, types of reporting, definition of sexual assault, consent, federal statistics, sexual assault versus sexual harassment and SARC office staff and location, this presentation is followed by 15 minutes of audience interaction," she said. The training is held annually and coordinated with staff from each squadron, group and agency who will notify their units of the date, time and location. Captain Gallego said she believes that this training is beneficial to Sheppard because it not only helps the victims, but the mission too. "Assisting victims to begin the healing process enables them to remain mission ready and to continue to handle the demand of everyday tasks," she said.