Buckley SARC helps all

Published Nov. 23, 2010
By Master Sgt. J. LaVoie
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., -- Buckley's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator wants Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, contractors, civilians, and family members to know, she is here to help.

Unlike many base agencies, the SARC is a one stop shop, no matter what service or component, one number is the right number.

"We are truly joint," said Peggy Moore-McCoy, Buckley's SARC. "We are not dividing ourselves. We will never say I can't help you. We have victim advocates from every branch. No matter who you are, you can call and you will get help."

It is important at a base like Buckley, where members from different services often work side-by-side, that when a stressful event happens, no one is told they've called the wrong agency.

"If you need help, you shouldn't have to think. You should just call the SARC," said Ms. Moore-McCoy. "No matter who calls the number, we respond - military, civilians, contractors, even family members. Once we respond, we then offer services based on who they are. People need to think 'I'm going to call the SARC and let them help me from there.'"

After the initial call, the SARC can offer as much or as little help as the victim would like. Ms. Moore-McCoy has even offered advice on how to handle complaints that did not fall under the SARC's purview. However they can also help victims receive medical care through the military or a civilian doctor. Depending on the type of report, the SARC or a victim advocate can assist through the investigation and legal process, no matter if it is military or civilian authorities.

If the victim chooses to file a report "we can help them navigate the process and be there for support through the investigation," said Ms. Moore-McCoy. "We can stay with them through the legal process and help them understand their choices and rights. No matter who else closes the case, our case is never closed until our client, our survivor, says 'thank you, I'm done.' Not until that person says so."

Air Force Victims can file two types of reports. The first is a restricted report. Under restricted reporting, no military investigation is triggered, the victims information is kept confidential, and the chain of command is not notified. The SARC will assign a victim advocate to assist the survivor through all areas of the process, and help the survivor get the assistance and care they need, from both military and civilian services. For a report to be restricted, the victim must contact SARC, victim advocate, chaplain or medical provider, who will contact SARC.

If a victim chooses, they may also file an unrestricted report. An unrestricted report triggers an investigation and notifies the chain of command. The SARC will still assign a victim advocate to assist the survivor through all areas of the process, and help the survivor get the assistance and care they need, from both military and civilian services. For an unrestricted report, victims can notify their chain of command, Office of Special Investigation or security forces, who will then contact the SARC.

Anyone who needs to talk to the SARC, to report an incident, or just for information, should call the 24 hour number, 720-847-SARC (7272)

Buckley Victim Advocate