SAPR offering victim advocates training Published Jan. 7, 2013 By 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE -- Those interested in providing support and care to victims of sexual assault may soon have the opportunity. For the first time in two years, the Sexual Assault Prevention & Response office is offering training for new victim advocates. The training will be Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, and is open to active duty military personnel, reservists, National Guard personnel in active status and DoD civilian employees. "We are seeking volunteers who must possess the maturity and experience to assist in a very sensitive situation," said Jayne Bishop, sexual assault response coordinator assistant. The victim advocate course consists of 40 training hours. The training course is intended to provide newly selected VAs with an introduction to essential information, processes, and resources that will enable them to assist victims of sexual assault. Trainees will be provided information on medical, psychological, legal and investigative information to enhance these response capabilities. VA trainees will be cautioned they are not to play the role of a clinician or specialist. Anyone interested in becoming a victim advocate should plan to attend the entire training session, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. To register for training, call 327-9398 or 327-7272. For an application or more information, e-mail Jayne Bishop at jayne.bishop@robins.af.mil. All applications and signed documents should be turned in no later than Jan. 18, at which time an interview with the SARC office will be scheduled.