Photo By Tech. Sgt. Laura Tickle | Representatives across the state of North Carolina gather for a group photo at the...... read more read more
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The first event in the Multidisciplinary Training series was coordinated by the Mecklenburg County SART in collaboration with the 145th Airlift Wing and marks a pivotal moment in community response to sexual violence as agencies unite to streamline protocols, improve coordination and amplify resources for survivors.
The primary objective of the training series is to provide agencies the opportunity to host, review procedures and discuss how they can work together to better support victims of sexual violence. The 145th AW Sexual Assault and Response Coordinator (SARC) Lindsey Melton hosted the first training event of the series and presented information about the NCNG Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program. The presentation provided information to civilian community partners about the Department of Defense (DoD) SAPR program structure and administration, reporting options and services for survivors, criminal versus administrative investigations, and how pay status for Guardsmen affects investigative jurisdiction.
She requested first responders and victim service providers to ask victims two questions, “Are you in the military? And would you like a SAPR professional to discuss options with you?” Lindsey has served 22 years in the Air National Guard and has been a SARC for eight years. She believes effective communication between agencies is essential to ensure survivors feel heard, believed and supported throughout the reporting and recovery process.
“Many assaults in the National Guard happen in civilian jurisdictions, and there are some resources survivors need that the National Guard cannot provide, like Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE),” said Melton.
To meet this need, the 145AW has an MOA with Charlotte’s Novant Presbyterian Hospital to assist any military servicemembers who seek medical treatment for a sexual assault at the emergency department. The agreement, established in 2018, ensures that the service members are offered the opportunity to speak with a local NCNG SAPR advocate at that time. Providing targeted, program-specific support to the survivor as early as possible after the assault can be beneficial to their recovery and accountability processes.
“Anytime we can formalize partnerships with these agencies we can streamline the process for both survivor and service providers at the earliest opportunity,” Melton said. "The multidisciplinary training events are key to getting the service providers in the same room to have these discussions, so we can identify gaps in our processes and implement collaborative solutions to support survivors seamlessly.”
The significance of this initiative lies in its multifaceted approach to addressing the complex needs of sexual assault victims. By bringing together diverse agencies, each with its own expertise and resources, the training series fosters a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by survivors and the various avenues for support available to them. This collective knowledge empowers frontline responders to provide more compassionate, effective and coordinated care to survivors, enhancing overall response to sexual violence within the community. Huntersville Police Sgt. Maizul Cobeo believes the training equips agencies with the skills and knowledge necessary to ask the right questions when interacting with sexual assault survivors.
“It’s really important to understand there are additional resources available to military servicemen who are victims,” said Cobeo. “I’m glad to know there are additional options; you never know who people are comfortable talking to.”
By standardizing protocols across agencies, the training series aims to minimize the risk of re-traumatization and facilitate a more empathetic and trauma-informed response. Additionally, by identifying common barriers and inefficiencies in existing protocols, participating agencies can work collaboratively to implement systemic improvements that prioritize the needs and wellbeing of survivors. Enhancing communication between healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, victim advocate organizations and other stakeholders ensures a seamless continuum of care for survivors from the moment of disclosure onward.
“It’s important everyone understands who is eligible for DoD SAPR services,” said Melton. “Whether the victim is in the reserves, active duty, a Title 5 Department of Defense civilian or military dependent 18 years or older, we are here to support.”
The impact of this collaborative training initiative extends far beyond the participating agencies themselves. By strengthening the community’s collective response to sexual violence, the initiative sends a powerful message of solidarity and offers a network of support to survivors — fostering a culture of accountability and empathy, where survivors can feel confident in seeking help and know they will be met with understanding and assistance.
This event represents a significant step forward in the community’s response to sexual violence, and is a testament to the collective commitment to create a safe, more compassionate and more resilient community for all. To connect a member of the NCNG SAPR team, please reach out to Kristian Hall, NCNG SAPR officer Kristian.s.hall.civ@army.mil or Lindsey Melton, NCANG SARC lindsey.melton@us.af.mil. For inquiries about the Mecklenburg County SART, contact SART Coordinator Emily Barnhardt at emily.barnhardt@safealliance.org.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.10.2024 08:26 |
| Story ID: | 473387 |
| Location: | CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NCNG partners with Mecklenburg County to support individuals affected by sexual violence, by MAJ Briana McFarland, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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