LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Sexual assault is a crime. It is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when a person does not or cannot consent. For victims of sexual assault, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Office is available 24/7 to listen and uncover the best path to help with immediate crisis care, including medical, emotional and legal support. The SAPR Office completely supports the victim, not only when the unthinkable occurs, but guides them through the entire healing process which is unique to each individual.
Rebecca Pastrovich currently leads the SAPR office located on the first floor of building 270 in room A1-108 on Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB). She has been the primary face of SAPR at LAAFB for a few years now. Pastrovich was inspired to get involved with SAPR because, “I wanted to speak out louder on this topic for people that might not feel supported, to help ensure military members are taken seriously and their rights are being respected.”
Another avenue of support is the Volunteer Victim Advocation (VVA) Program. VVAs provide support to victims of sexual assault and resources for immediate and ongoing intervention and advocacy services; they ensure availability of 24-hour confidential victim services either through personal or telephone contact.
Pastrovich greatly values those who give their time to serve in the program, “We absolutely could not accomplish our mission without VVAs!” She continues, “I think [having VVAs] is important because not every person that comes into the office wants to speak to a certain person, so this allows members to choose a victim advocate they can connect with.”
Tech. Sgt. Alyssa Green, Diagnostics Section Chief of the 61st Medical Squadron, is one of the VVAs serving at LAAFB over the past three years. Green was interested in becoming a VVA because she enjoys helping people. As an Airman, Green works in the medical field and explains, “Working in the lab, our job is pretty much to see the patients and send them on their way, … so I wanted to do something different. Throughout my life, I have met and known people who have been affected by sexual assault, even in childhood and in high school, so to be an aid for people, to be a resource, outlet, and listening ear has always been something I've wanted to do.”
There are a few steps to earning and maintaining VVA certification. First the volunteer applies, which requires supervisor- and command-level approval, and then is required to pass a background check. Next, applicants must complete a 40-hour class the SAPR office facilitates. After finishing the course, VVAs apply to be certified by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). Retaining the NOVA certification, takes 32 hours of continuing education every two years. Successful volunteers must commit to serving at least one year as a VVA at LAAFB.
“People who want to be a VVA should do so with the desire to give back to the community by being a listening ear and helping people who are in need of confidential support,” said Green.
The LAAFB SAPR is looking for compassionate active-duty military personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees to serve as VVAs. The SAPR program is the community’s response to help people affected by sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault can lose their sense of hope, and their trust in people can be tremendously diminished. As a VVA, you can help those who experience sexual assault on their road to recovery. VVAs can help in several ways, such as through crisis intervention, referrals and ongoing non-clinical support. As a VVA, you will be able to provide victims with information on available reporting options and resources to assist them in making informed decisions about their case. VVAs continue to provide support until the member no longer desires it.
Pastrovich encourages potential volunteers to apply regardless of their level of experience. The SAPR office provides the 40-hour training required for the certification which gives you all requisite tools. “To be hired as a DoD civilian SAPR Victim Advocate, you have to maintain certain credentials, but as a volunteer [Victim Advocate], you don't necessarily need the same education or credentials, so you can still volunteer, and bring in different perspectives and life experiences,” Pastrovich states. A volunteer’s unique viewpoint can make a special difference to someone who has experienced trauma.
Green has found her role as a VVA to be deeply fulfilling, stating, "The knowledge of having made a positive impact on someone's life is a reward in itself." She derives personal satisfaction from being a source of support and comfort, providing reassurance that individuals are not alone and offering additional resources when needed. For Green, the value of her work lies in its intrinsic worth, driven by the fundamental human need for connection and support.
Similarly, Pastrovich continues to passionately serve in the SAPR office because “the work I am doing feels important, meaningful and impactful,” Pastrovich says. “I will continue to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy to all members here at LAAFB.”
Help is just a phone call away: If you have been sexually assaulted, please call the Los Angeles Air Force Base 24/7 SARC Response Helpline at (310) 653-7272. Additionally, you may also contact the 24-hour DoD Safe Helpline to confidentially talk to a counselor at (877) 995-5247 or http://www.safehelpline.org.
Those interested in joining the team as a Volunteer Victim Advocate can reach out to Rebecca Pastrovich at rebecca.pastrovich@spaceforce.mil or 310-653-5789/5442.