A Survivor's Story

Published May 2, 2007
By 1st Lt. Lindsey Hahn
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As he sat through the Sexual Assault and Response Program briefing during basic training he never thought anything like that would happen to him.

Months later during his technical training, Airman Smith (not his real name) found himself sexually assaulted by his instructor who before then, he thought of as a "cool guy who he saw as a role model."

"I couldn't believe it was happening," said Airman Smith. "I guess it is hard to know who to trust."

After it was over, he didn't know what to do.

"I lost a lot of sleep and had a hard time trusting people because I was always thinking about their motives," said Airman Smith. "I wasn't sure if I would get in trouble for hanging out with a supervisor or drinking underage if I reported it. I asked myself, though, how can I be sure he can't do this to anyone else, and I knew I had to report it."

According to Mr. Kirk Whitman, Travis Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, the Department of Defense initiated a policy in June 2005 giving victims two different reporting options - restricted and unrestricted reporting.

Restricted reporting provides a victim the opportunity to confidentially disclose the details of a sexual assault to specified individuals and receive medical treatment and support services without triggering the investigative process. This reporting option provides victims more control over the release of their personal information and affords them additional time to weigh their options and seek guidance regarding whether or not to participate in a criminal investigation.

An unrestricted report initiates an official investigation of an alleged sexual assault using current reporting channels. Victims receive the same medical care given in the restricted option, but this option conversely notifies command authorities immediately, initiating the investigative process.

Airman Smith decided to tell his supervisor who then referred him to the SARC at his base. He was immediately assigned a Victim Advocate who helped him throughout the process.

"The VA and chaplain were both very understanding and able to communicate and counsel in an easy-going environment," said Airman Smith. "Talking with them was a good way to relieve the stress I was dealing with and cope with my situation. The encouragement and guidance I received is unsurpassable in any standard. They treated me like one of their own, and it's that brand of kindness that we could do more with in this world."

"Victim advocates provide 24/7 direct response to victims," said Mr. Whitman. "They provide essential support, liaison services and care to a victim of sexual assault, assisting their client to navigate the military's response network. VAs furnish accurate and comprehensive information on available resources so their client can make informed decisions when managing their personal information."

While the legal process was frustrating at times, the support system that was set up for him helped, said Airman Smith.

"The process wasn't easy," said Airman Smith. "It was my word against his and at times I felt like I wasn't taken seriously because [the assailant] was held in such high regards. However, the SARC, VA and chaplain were all a big help."

Since Airman Smith went to his supervisor first instead of the SARC or medical professional, his case was considered an unrestricted report and a law enforcement investigation was initiated. He says, however, that may not be the right process for everyone.

"It's not always easy to do the right thing when given the opportunity to avoid it with something that may seem easier; in the end you feel better about standing up for what you believe in," said Airman Smith. "You have to do what sits well in your gut - whatever healthy way you need to get over it. Not everyone will have the same kind of feelings after something like this happens."

Airman Smith volunteered to do this story for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you have been sexually assaulted and want to seek help, you can call Mr. Whitman at 424-7272 (SARC).