Capt. Heather Mahowald has been named deputy sexual assault response coordinator as part of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program for Maxwell-Gunter.
According to the Air Force Personnel Center Web site, the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program reinforces the Air Force’s commitment to eliminate sexual assaults through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response capability, reporting options and accountability.
LaNesa Howard, the installation SARC, said SAPR is a Department of Defense program that has been operational in all branches of the military since June 2005. “Maxwell was a pilot base, and training started here in 2004,” said Ms. Howard, who works directly for the 42nd Air Base Wing vice commander. Her staff consists of a deputy SARC, a student assistant and 25 volunteer victim advocates.
The sexual assault response coordinator is the main point of contact to coordinate the care of sexual assault victims, ensuring that victims of sexual assault receive appropriate and responsive care. “The sexual assault response coordinator’s primary focus is on victims of sexual assault,” said Capt. Mahowald. “The SARC is responsible for making sure a victim support system exists, capable of responding to all reported sexual assaults, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, occurring on or off the installation,” through their 24-hour hotline, 953-8696, she said.
The office’s duties include providing clear, accurate information on reporting options available, meeting the safety and medical needs of a victim and, unless the victim declines services, assigning a victim advocate as soon as possible after notification an assault has occurred. They also monitor the victim’s health and well-being through final disposition or case resolution, and facilitate continuity of care and case management if the victim relocates through permanent change of station or deployment, said Captain Mahowald.
The victim advocates are trained volunteers who provide liaison services and support to victims. They give victims information about health care options available, including the forensic medical exam and the collection of evidence. “They also may accompany the victim, at the victim’s request, during investigative interviews and medical exams,” including interviews with healthcare personnel, law enforcement, investigators and trial counsel, said Captain Mahowald. “Victim advocates are screened, trained and supervised by the installation SARC. In order to be considered a trained victim advocate, they must complete 40 hours of training,” said Capt. Mahowald.
Those interested in becoming a victim advocate can call Captain Mahowald at 953-7116, Ms. Howard at 953-4416 or email the 42nd Air Base Wing CVK at 42ABW.CVK@maxwell.af.mil.
A native of East Grand Forks, Minn., Captain Mahowald has served in the Air Force for six years, and has been stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base since September 2006.
For more information on the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, visit their Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/library/sapr/index.asp.
