JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The aftermath of a sexual assault is unimaginable for those who haven't experienced one. For Michelle Williams, Joint Base Andrews sexual assault response coordinator, being able to empathize and "wear the victim's shoes" is vital to her ability to see victim as a person rather than a number on a report.
As a SARC, Williams' job is to assist sexual assault victims, ensuring they understand their options for reporting the incident and connecting them with various organizations, such as mental health, the chapel and medical care, in order to get them every aspect of care they may need.
"My first job as a social worker was working with children that were sexually abused, so I have always been drawn to being able to support individuals that have been assaulted," she said. "It is difficult to deal with the kind of pain I see in the victims, but I constantly remind myself that I am the link for the survivor of these assaults and I am the first step in their recovery from tragic events in their lives."
Williams added that she has several coping mechanisms for dealing with the pain she sees routinely, which include being very spiritually grounded and spending quality time with her husband and children.
"This is a 24/7 program, so when most of us are at home spending time with our families, I am standing by to help those who need it," she added. "Being able to leave work at work is not always possible, but my family is very supportive and help me do what I do."
Though relatively young, the SARC program has had several important improvements since its implementation in 2005, said Williams.
"The SARC program is constantly evolving and changing so we can provide the very best support to the victims," she said. "One of the biggest improvements coming up is a new credentialing process for our advocates. As of Oct. 1, 2013, all victim advocates will have the same credentials as civilian counterparts."
According to www.sapr.mil, preventing sexual assaults is everyone's responsibility. In many sexual assaults, bystanders who saw and heard things that made them feel uncomfortable, but did nothing to intervene.
"Being a good wingman and preventing your friends from placing themselves in bad situations is crucial to preventing sexual assaults," Williams said. "We have a responsibility, not only as service members and wingmen, but as human beings, to prevent pain and suffering when we can."
Williams noted that taking an active stance on sexual assaults is the first step in preventing these assaults from happening.
"I think the program is a tremendous success for everyone who utilizes it," she said. "It is a success because we are able to get the victims to the help they need as soon as possible."
I don't really know how many cases I have worked because I don't see numbers, I see people," she added. "I remember every person I work with and if what I do can bring even a little peace to the victim, I'm going to keep doing it."