RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Every two-and-a-half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted, according to statistics from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network organization.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when people can educate themselves on the realities of sexual assault.
Master Sgt. Diane Jackson, sexual assault victim advocate, said it is important for Team Randolph to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, because it lets the victims of sexual assault know the base populace is doing more than just complying with Department of Defense mandates. Aligning the base with other organizations in the local community, and throughout the nation, will continue to raise awareness in all of Team Randolph, as well.
"Women, and men too, sometimes take too much for granted. They assume 'it will never happen to me' or, 'I would see them coming,'" Sergeant Jackson said. "Thanks to the media, most people today think a rapist is a man in some dark alley wearing a ski mask that attacks you by surprise, but this is simply not the case. Statistics prove that most assaults happen by someone you know."
According to base records, there were three sex offenses reported in 2006, said Debra Chauvin, 12th Security Forces Squadron Information and Industrial Security Program manager. In 2005, and so far in 2007, there have been no reports of sexual assault.
While victims are encouraged to seek assistance from the sexual assault response coordinator, getting law enforcement involved is highly recommended, Ms. Chauvin said. In most cases, when someone sexually assaults another person, it isn't the first time. If it is, they are more likely to assault again. If the crime is reported to law enforcement, steps can be taken to prevent repeat offenses.
"Everyone should consider themselves a victim advocate," Sergeant Jackson said. "Because whether you know it or not, you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, or you know someone who knows someone who has been."
Sergeant Jackson has been involved with some form of victim advocacy since before her Air Force career began in 1987.
"Victim advocacy chose me," she said. "When I was 10, my friend and I were cornered, and almost sexually assaulted by four teenage boys in a park," she said. "Fortunately for the both of us, my playmate was somehow able to get away from our attackers and go get help from my mother who was nearby."
Sergeant Jackson has been stationed across the U.S. and at each location, she has involved her experience into developing and fostering victim advocacy programs for each base she's been assigned to.
Sergeant Jackson has served 20 years with hard-work and dedication to victim advocacy programs such as the first-ever Domestic Abuse Shelter on an Air Force installation, the Guardian Ad Litem Program, community shelters, and Victim Wellness and Protection teams.
"Often, people have no idea just how many victims are in our Air Force family," said Sergeant Jackson. "By showing support for this important cause, we show our victims that they can depend on us, and indicates that we are continuing to educate ourselves."
"Through support, planned events, and education, we send a strong message to assailants that sexual assault will not be tolerated in our community," she said.
Sergeant Jackson says utilizing the Wingman concept is an effective protective measure everyone can employ against sexual assault.
"Take care of, and watch out for each other when out socially. Never assume your friend, whether a man or a woman, is going to be able to take care of themselves," she said. "Also, be aware of your surroundings, change your routine, and always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it usually is."
The best thing to do, if a friend or coworker confides in you that he or she has been sexually assaulted, is to contact the SARC, Sergeant Jackson said. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and they have all the necessary tools and resources available to assist a victim.
Sergeant Jackson said the biggest thing to remember when dealing with a victim is that you can't judge them, or form opinions about their situation.
"Everyone should remember in conversations when they are dealing with others, that you never know what that person has been through," Sergeant Jackson said. "It is important if you are not the victim, to contact the SARC before contacting anyone else. You wouldn't want to cause the victim more harm by not knowing the correct reporting classifications, options available, and consequences of future actions."
The Randolph SARC can be reached at 652-4387. Further assistance may be received by calling the 24-hour Victim Hotline at 652-8787. If not on base, contact the Rape Crisis Center at 349-7273.