Self-defense class scheduled during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamie L. Coggan
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In light of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the 355th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator will be sponsoring a self-defense class April 17 at the Benko Fitness and Sports Center here from 12 to 1 p.m.

There is also a sexual assault awareness display inside the 355th Mission Support Group headquarters (Bldg. 3200) where Airmen can get free information throughout the month.

"We want to be sure that people know they aren't alone and that advocates are here for them every step of the way," said Senior Airman Camille Regina, a member of the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron and one of the victim advocates here.

In 2005, the SARC instituted the Victim Advocate Program, which educates volunteers through several hours of training to help the sexual assault victims.

"The ultimate goal of the Sexual Assault and Prevention program is to prevent sexual assault through education and provide immediate response and appropriate support to victims," said Ms. Lakshmi Kumar, 355th FW SARC.

Davis-Monthan currently has nine victim advocates to assist commanders and their units with SARC annual training, as well as to provide support and comfort to all sexual assault victims.

"As an advocate, we provide support for the victim as long as they need. Not only do we help them throughout the investigation process, but advocates are also there to listen," said Airman Regina. "We always make sure they are doing OK, and if they need to talk, we're always available. Listening is the best thing a person can do for someone who has gone through a traumatic experience."

The program is about letting victims know that they are not alone and that their VA is there for them any time, day or night. The VA also ensures the victims are informed of all available resources and helps them access the services they need in a timely manner.

"It always brings a tear to my eye when someone is a victim of sexual assault. I always felt like I wanted to help, but never knew how, even when I was a civilian," said Airman Regina. "I became a victim advocate here at D-M because I wanted to be able to help and provide as much support as I could for victims. I love helping people and this is a program that needs all the help it can get!"

To volunteer or find out more about the self-defense class, contact Ms. Kumar at 228-7272.