Air Force extends SAPR services to AF civilians

  • Published
  • By Jill Randall
  • Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  In its commitment to improving every aspect of its response system, the Air Force has instituted policy increasing support services for civilian employees who are victims of sexual assault. Civilians can now receive the same care and support as uniformed service members and their families, such as restricted and unrestricted reporting options, crisis intervention and victim advocacy services 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Maj. Gen. Gina Grosso, Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response director, who signed the policy into effect, stated, "Our SARCs and victim advocates provide invaluable support and assistance to our uniformed Airmen who have suffered from this horrible crime. We knew we could do more to help our civilian Airmen, so we sought an exception to policy to allow the Air Force to extend the same care and support to civilian victims as we do to our military Airmen and their families."

Some of the additional services now offered to both appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilians include:

· A 24/7 confidential helpline staffed by a certified victim advocate at 773-7272

· Connection to physical and mental health providers at victims request

· Reporting options and services regardless of when the assault occurred

· Legal representation if qualified under statutory authorities, as determined at the time of request

The FE Warren SAPR office is located at 5805 Randall Ave. in building 242. It is staffed by Jill Randall, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, and Marti Salas, victim advocate. Warren currently has nine volunteer victim advocates assigned to various units around the base, with six more slated for training the first week of November.

Volunteer victim advocacy is open to civilians in the grade of GS-7 and above, active duty members O-3 and above and enlisted members E-4 and above. You must be at least 21 years of age. If interested in being part of the SAPR program please contact the SAPR office at 773-3482.