Victim Advocates augment SARC capabilities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Although Air Force leadership strives to quell sexual assault cases, there are still incidents and that is where special groups of volunteer Airmen who assist Sexual Assault Response Coordinators called Victim Advocates come in.

"VAs can do a lot of the same things I do," said Veronica Sforza, the 482nd Fighter Wing SARC. "They can help victims find counselling, complete paperwork, expedite transfers, or accompany them to appointments, court, interviews with the Office of Special Investigation -- anything they need us to do in order to help them through their struggles."

Instances where VAs are most needed are when the SARC is handling several cases at once or away from the area.

"Having VAs on hand is crucial to ensuring victims can get the care and support they need when they need it," said Sforza.

To work with victims, volunteers must receive their Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification.  

Earning the certification requires potential VAs to undergo a 40-hour training course, which gives them the tools they need to help victims of sexual assault. It includes subject matter that covers how to work with a victim such as reporting confidentiality, the effects of trauma and ethics.

Team Homestead currently has three VAs with four in training. One of the newest Airmen to undergo the VA training is Staff Sgt. Tiffany Porterfield, the 367th Fighter Squadron Munitions noncommissioned officer in charge.

"The training was an emotional roller coaster for me," said Porterfield. "It was vigorous, humbling and enlightening all at once. The training is critical and lays the foundation for future growth on the topics it covers."

Each prospective VA goes through a hiring process that includes supervisor and commander approval, an interview with Sforza, a background check and references.

For more information or to speak to the SARC call 415-7606.