Fear to ask for help is shrinking

Published Feb. 1, 2013
By Capt. Angela M. Webb
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Walking to the restroom in the middle of the night, someone blindsides you, drags you into a bunker and forces themself upon you.

In your head, there is so much confusion. I think I know who...it couldn't be, could it? What-how-why did that just happen to me? Why couldn't anyone hear me? What do I do? Who can I call? I can't tell anyone, I will get in trouble.

It is unnerving for many to think someone can blame themselves for a situation outside of his or her control, but victims are feeling more comfortable to come forward and reaching out.

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and victim advocates are here to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Many assaulted in the past didn't know where to turn when they were hurt or in a situation dealing with sexual assault," said Master Sgt. Nichol Williams, 379 AEW victim advocate from the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron. "They thought nothing was going to happen if they reported it. They didn't want to go through the ordeal or risk their unit knowing what happened, but now with growing awareness and multiple outlets to turn to, more victims are coming forward to get the help they need."

In December, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III stressed to all Air Force personnel that the goal for sexual assault in the Air Force is zero. In addition, Gen. Welsh ordered a service-wide health and welfare inspections to reinforce expectations for the workplace environment, correct deficiencies, and deter conditions that may be detrimental to good order and discipline.

"It is reassuring to see units and leadership from the top down taking the subject seriously," said Capt. Whitney Maynard, 379th AEW SARC. "It is becoming more of an environment to help those who feel uncomfortable with distasteful jokes or behavior, and not just tolerating or sweeping bad behavior under the rug."

There are many statistics out there regarding sexual assault in general and some may be misleading or even conflicting with one another. The 379th SARC urges members to look at credible and reliable sources when helping to spread awareness to ensure accurate statistics are presented.

"We (SARCs) can only rely on our reports," said Maynard. "So when rumors are flying around about the prevalence of sexual assaults within the AOR, the only reliable sources from which they can verify this information are the SARCs or the Department of Defense Annual Reports. We are here to help victims by providing consistent information and presenting options that are best for them."

No matter the statistics, the ultimate goal is to eliminate sexual assault. Until then, the increase of awareness and options available through the SARC and victim advocates are in place to have those scared of coming forward feel more comfortable to do so.

"There is still a strong fear for those assaulted to come forward, but there is more help out there today than ever before," said Master Sgt. Clyde Hardy, 379th AEW victim advocate from the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron. "No one person's tragedy is the same as another's, but there might be someone who had a similar situation and we (victim advocates) can help. Hurt is hurt, pain is pain, and no one should have to go through that alone."

If you need help, call 437-7272 (SARC) or visit the SARC office located in the back of the base library.