SARC requests Victim Advocates Published Jan. 12, 2010 By Valerie Cook 82nd Training Wing Sexual Assault Prevention Office SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Sheppard Sexual Assault Response office is looking for individuals interested in helping others by becoming victim advocates. VAs are active-duty military personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees selected by the base's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator to provide essential support, liaison services and care to a sexual assault victim. This rewarding opportunity will begin with a 40-hour required training. The VA provides essential support, liaison services and care to victims of sexual assault, according to Air Force Instruction 36-6001, Section 5.2. The VA will also ensure victims continue to receive the necessary care and support until the victim states, or the SARC determines, that support is no longer needed. The Air Force relies on volunteers to fill this critical function. Although their responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support, providing information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about the case, VAs do not provide counseling or other professional services. VAs may accompany the victim, at the victim's request, during investigative interviews and medical examinations, including, but not limited to interviews with medical personnel, law enforcement, investigators, trial counsel and defense counsel. Those who are eligible for apply to become a VA are active-duty military personnel, Reserve or National Guard personnel in active status and DoD civilian employees. Reservists assigned to the military training flight may serve as VAs only if they are assigned to a reserve medical squadron and have no patient-related duties. Because of the potential for legal, professional or community conflicts of interest, the following military members cannot serve as SARCs, Alternate SARCs, or VAs: individuals on G-series orders, first sergeants, chief master sergeants, individuals associated with law enforcement or investigations, individuals assigned to the Office of the SJA, MTF personnel working in clinical roles with whom assault victims may come in contact, 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. The SARC will determine if any VA has, or develops, a conflict of interest and will reassign accordingly.