MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Sexual assault is a crime that requires special attention, and thanks to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., active-duty service members and civilians are now able to get the help they need.
One SARC is chosen annually from each branch of the military to receive the SARC of the Year award. MCAS Miramar’s Latricia Kamins will receive the 2012 Marine Corps Exceptional SARC of the Year award this April at the Pentagon.
“[Every SARC] is doing such great work. I just couldn’t believe I was the one chosen from the Marine Corps” said Kamins.
The Hamptons Roads, Va., native did not expect to be selected for the award, but she was selected based on her knowledge of the SARC program, patience with victims, and helpfulness with getting victims the help and justice they deserve. “She is a well-rounded person on the program and always willing to go the extra mile,” said Maj. Rhonda Martin, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing SARC and a Trotwood, Ohio, native. “
She does it with class and professionalism that you need with this job field.”
Uniformed Victim Advocates are one of the main keys to connecting the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program with commands providing education and training on sexual assault, added Kamins.
The program provides services for not only active-duty service members, but civilians as well. If the victim does not wish to have their identity revealed, there are still ways to file a report while still respecting the victim’s wishes.
“Restricted reporting is confidential,” said Kamis. “Your command and law enforcement will not be notified of identifying information, so therefore an investigation should not be triggered.”
Those who make a restricted report should still visit medical and the advocacy services to talk with someone confidentially. If a victim ever wishes to change the status of their report from restricted to unrestricted they may do so at any time.
Victims who choose to make an unrestricted report allow advocates to pass the information along to their commanding officer and law enforcement. Letting a victim’s superiors know allows the commanding officer to assist with military protective orders.
“I’m from beginning to end,” said Kamins. “When the victim comes forward I see that change, I’m helping to empower that victim to take their life back into their own hands. That’s the greatest feeling.”