The Gem State Guardian - Spring 2011 - Keep Trees

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Sexual Assault Awareness and help By Mr. Terry Williams, JFHQ-ID Assistant Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Sexual assault is one of the most devastating crimes that can be perpetrated against both women and men. Those who prey on innocent victims have no distinguishing characteristics; they are not necessarily the stranger in the night. Most sexual assaults are carried out by someone familiar with the victim – a friend, relative, or even a spouse. 12 The Guardian Hopefully this article will raise your awareness, bring attention to this heinous crime and help foster a safer working and living environment. Though statistics vary from agency to agency, it is important to note that most sexual assaults go unreported. Studies indicate 1 in 3 females will be sexually assaulted sometime in their life, and hold the phone…1 in 8 males will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Survivors of sexual assault face obstacles. Victims may blame themselves for what has happened; they feel they have lost their dignity, self respect and lost their willingness or ability to trust and sometimes love. In many instances they become reclusive and withdrawn. However, the reality is NO ONE ASKS TO BE A VICTIM. Victims are just that—victims. In the past, society has placed a lot of the blame on the victim. They would say such odd things as “Well, if they wouldn’t dress that way, then it would not have happened” or “They went to the bar and got drunk, you know—the meat market, what did they expect?” So, let me comment on this issue. It doesn’t matter the situation,; it doesn’t matter where; it doesn’t matter who is involved—all that really matters is, “NO” means “NO!” If there is any doubt, don’t. As a military family, we all have the ability to curb and eventually eliminate sexual assault. For just a second think back to when you were at a function and you observed someone talking to another person who had way too much to drink. Male or female, it doesn’t matter, situations like this happen all the time. Bottom line, if you have that uneasy feeling, that gut reaction that says, “I don’t think he/she should be taking that person home,” then step in and get that person out of a potentially bad situation. As a Wingman or Battle Buddy we should have the moral courage to intercede in situations that we know just aren’t right. We’d do it if that were our child, sister, mother or friend. As a bystander you have untold power to effect a positive change in our attitudes and thinking and using this power to intercede will help us meet our goal—no tolerance when it comes to sexual assault. Remember this: “Hurts one, affects all.” In the military there are resources available for victims of sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is the focal point for this help. The SARC, chaplains, unit victims’ advocates and medical personnel all have privileged communications and are the only personnel you can contact and still
etain your rights for a confi dential report. Based on the victim’s desires, they can keep the information completely confi dential. This is considered a “Restricted Report,” which keeps the victim’s identity a secret but limits what actions can be taken. Restricted reporting still allows for the SARC to arrange for medical and other forms of assistance. These benefi ts can be accessed either through military channels or other sources available to your SARC. The second type of reporting is the “Unrestricted Report,” which allows the SARC to divulge limited information to a select group of personnel on a need-to-know basis to facilitate medical treatment and Directors of Psychological Health available to assist service members, families The National Guard has appointed directors of psychological health for each state and territory to ensure a continuance of excellent care for service members and their families. The state directors of psychological health have been assigned to each of the 54 Joint Force Headquarters to serve service members in the Army and Air Guards, National Guard offi cials said. “We are slowly building a behavioral health program [in the National Guard],” said Public Health Service Capt. Joan Hunter, the National Guard Bureau’s director of psychological health. “Currently, we have 56 directors of psychological health.These are licensed practitioners at the independent level – meaning they have state licenses to practice without supervision – but we provide them with supervision and make it mandatory, even if they don’t need it. In other words, they have a lot of experience.” Here in Idaho, we have two practitioners assigned. For Air National Guard members and their families, Shawn Wood provides free, confi - dential support. He is available to provide consultation and support at both the organizational and individual levels. “Over the past two years I have enjoyed working in this capacity,” he said. “Having served in the military, I truly appreciate the sacrifi ce required to serve our country and protect the freedoms we enjoy. It is my mission to continue serving you and your families.” To serve the entire Idaho National Guard, family members and Reserve component members from Idaho, Penelope Hansen is available. “I am here to assess the needs of the military community and work to implement support to strengthen healthy functioning in service members and their families. I am working to decrease the stigma that may be associated with seeking help. I am assisting Contact information (each is able to meet outside their offi ces): Penelope Hansen, Idaho National Guard DPH Bldg. 270, Gowen Field Phone: (208) 860-0189 penelope.hansen@ceridian.com access other assistance. However, the most important feature of unrestricted reporting is that it aids in the initiation of a law enforcement investigation, and allows commanders to help the keep the victim safe. The Department of Defense has made the reduction and elimination of sexual assault a priority. To ensure 24/7 access to your SARC, they have created the Safe Helpline, which is a confi dential and anonymous sexual assault hotline for the DoD community. Below is the contact information for Safe Helpline and the offi ce/cell numbers for your JFHQ SARCs. We are here to help you! SAFE HELPLINE Internet: www.safehelpline.org Landline: 877-995-5247 Text: 55-247 (CONUS) or 202-470-5546 (OCONUS) JFHQ SARC, Lt. Colleen Walker Offi ce: 208-272-8400 Cell: 208-447-6166 Assistant JFHQ SARC, Mr. Terry Williams Offi ce: 208-272-4306 Cell: 208-949-7583 Public Health Service Capt. Joan Hunter, director of psychological health for the National Guard Bureau, speaks at the 2010 Suicide Prevention Conference sponsored by the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments in Washington, D.C. Defense Department photo by Elaine Wilson to create a culture where service members and their families feel comfortable seeking the assistance they need. “I am also here to assist in crisis situations should they occur. I am hoping by developing strong resiliency programs in Idaho, service members and families will be able to obtain assistance before issues feel insurmountable. I am excited and proud to be working with such an outstanding organization which is truly made up of people who go above and beyond each day to serve the state of Idaho and this country.” Shawn Wood, Idaho Air National Guard DPH Bldg. 400, Gowen Field Phones: cell (208) 863-3015, offi ce (208) 422-5377 shawn.wood.ctr@ang.af.mil SPrinG 2011 13
Page 1: IN THIS ISSUE U.S. Rep. Labrador vi
Page 4 and 5: 2 The Guardian
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Page 8 and 9: 124 th Fighter Wing Operational Rea
Page 10 and 11: 2011 Soldier and NCO Best Warrior c
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Page 20 and 21: “How can we help?” State leader
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Page 28 and 29: “Continuous Process Improvement
Page 30: Have a great summer... By Chief War

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