24 Hour Hotline:
803-771-RAPE (Richland and Lexington counties)
1-800-491-RAPE (Newberry county)
Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue 7
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The Healing Voice
STSM Vision: Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands helps survivors of sexual trauma heal. Ultimately, we will end sexual violence in our community. STSM Mission: Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands supports survivors in recovery from trauma associated with sexual assault and abuse and educates the community to identify and prevent sexual violence.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands Group Services Newsletter January/February 2010
Group Services New Year’s Resolutions
Jennifer Gantt – “My new year’s resolution is to have more patience, especially with the little one on the way.” Janel Mitnaul – “My new year’s resolution is to improve my overall well-being – spiritually, emotionally, and physically.” Erica James – “My new year's resolution is to work on improving my Spanish. I took Spanish for several years and through lack of use, I have lost some of my knowledge. I plan to brush up on my skills!” ArLene Robinson – “My new year’s resolution is to be patient and wait on God.” LaQuista Peterson – “My new year’s resolution is to make a goal list, take a cooking class for fun, be more active, get a passport, travel more, make time for myself, and take time each day to read from the Bible and eat healthy.” Sabrina Wannamaker – “My new year's resolution is to be a healthier me: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.”
Staff
Genevieve Waller, Esq. Executive Director Georgina Hance Office Manager Sherry Lewis, MA, LPC Director of Therapy and Outreach Joan Amado, LMSW Director of Crisis Services Katie Reid, MSW Community Education Program Director Daphne Pearson, MA, LPC Advocate Counselor Jennifer Gantt, LMSW Group Services Coordinator Melanie Griffin, MSW Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Mary Dell Amick Hayes Volunteer Services Coordinator Emily Flores Bilingual Victim Advocate Reonda Washington Education Intern Whitney Beissner Education Intern Kayce Singletary Education Intern Shereka Catoe Clinical Intern Kyra Hufford Clincal Intern
Message from the Director of Therapy and Outreach
Inside This Issue
1 New Year’s Resolutions and message from the DTO 2 3 4 5 5 6 Facilitator’s Voice Facilitator’s Voice Facilitator’s Voice Facilitator Spotlight Potential Facilitators Upcoming Events
As we begin 2010, it is a time for both reflection and resolution. Reflecting on the past year, I would like to thank each of you for your commitment and dedication to your work and your compassion for the clients we serve as we assist them on their journey of recovery. As group facilitators in 2009, you fulfilled a vital role in assisting STSM by providing quality services to our community. In this new year, I am excited about the new opportunities we have with the development of our agency’s new vision, mission statement, and strategic plan. It is my resolution that the Group Services Program expands to offer groups, utilizing evidenced- based curriculums, throughout Lexington/ Richland, and Newberry counties. In anticipation and preparation for achieving our goals this year, I challenge each of you to maintain that same since of commitment, dedication, and compassion and add to it a spirit of excellence in all you do. I look forward to a productive year. Happy New Year!! Sherry Lewis
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
PAGE 2
THE HEALING VOICE
Facilitator’s Voice – ArLene Robinson Sexual Assault in the Military
Recently military members began to speak out about rape and sexual assault they suffered at the hands of their comrades. Twenty-eight percent of female veterans report to have been sexually assaulted during their careers. The military consists of approximately 212,000 females; 190,000 have served in war zones; 2,923 reported cases of rape or attempted rape last year. Women serving in the U.S. military today are more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. Men still weren’t admitting, so the VA began asking; 220 military men reported that they were sexually assaulted last year. The US Armed Forces has its own label for rape and sexual assault: “military sexual trauma” (MST). MST is categorized as anything from groping to stalking to rape. Sexual assault is pervasive in the U.S. military. Sexual abuse is perpetrated by recruiters before personnel enlist, drill instructors in boot camp, and continues right on up to repeated acts of sexual abuse at different duty stations, even into war zones. Military members spend a lot of time together, like a family. The commanders and senior leaders are in charge of taking care of the family and junior personnel are loyal family members. According to research conducted by The Miles Foundation, Inc., sexual assault is considered a rite of passage in the military and people are treated like black sheep of the family when they fail to quietly follow orders or ask for justice. Generally the senior leaders are the perpetrators and the junior members are the victims of sexual assault, and it is automatically understood that no one will accept the junior’s word over the senior’s. On day one, females are seduced into this military culture. Many women have revealed that their very first military sexual assault was at the hands of their recruiters. Many times the military chooses single, male recruiters that are very charismatic and relatively handsome. They are given a stipend each month to take young recruits out to dinners and to pay for other entertainment geared toward getting the applicant to agree to join the military. Some recruiters are so arrogant that they begin to abuse their position. In an effort to meet their quotas, these men target naïve, young girls. Instead of taking them to museums or other military educational venues, they take these girls to hotels and engage in sexual activity with them. The recruiters actions are inappropriate and not in accordance with military laws. However, since he just earned a new applicant for that recruiting station, he is applauded. Senior commissioned officers are also guilty of this same type behavior; some use their ranks to coerce female military members to sleep with them. It doesn’t stop there. Cover up of mishandled allegations of sexual assault occurs at the highest level of the military. A 2008 CNN report exposed that the Department of Defense has even resorted to ordering subpoenaed military officials not to appear before Congress to answer questions of allegations of sexual abuse that led to the death of a female Marine. The culture of the military contributes to all forms of aggression and in turn, promotes sexual abuse. It holds misogyny and homophobia as tradition. Unfortunately, these directly contribute to instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. When these instances occur, military leaders prefer to ignore them. Military commanders are extremely busy. Having to redirect valuable mission time to focus on military victims (who need treatment) and military rapists (who need punishment), all of which is the commander’s responsibility, is often too overwhelming for a mission-focused leader. They are not trained in rape crisis intervention. Many do not support programs that prevent sexual abuse. So these commanders do not create an open environment for reporting sexual assault which sends the message that- members who attempt to report sexual assault will face reprisal. This type commander has been found to blackball victims, deny them the
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
PAGE 3
THE HEALING VOICE
right to seek counsel, overlook them for prominent assignments and promotions, blame victims and support offenders, ensure allegations are unfounded, charge victims with filing false reports, harass them until they start to make mistakes, and then seek to dishonorably discharge them or railroad them into being discharged from the military without benefits. Many times these commanders convince victims to just “drop it”. These leaders fail to realize that when these incidents are unaddressed victims are destroyed and perpetrators are empowered to assault again. A study conducted by a Pentagon panel found that leadership played an important role in the prevention of unwanted sexual behaviors. If military leaders would only take a hard-nosed, zero tolerance stances against sexual abuse, the number of incidents would decrease significantly. Fifty percent of victims of MST admitted that they did not report their assaults. There are many reasons, in addition to fears that civilian sex assault victims experience, that deter military victims from reporting sexual assault. First, is the gossip mill, it is far worse in the military and the news is usually spread by someone in the administrative office as soon as an allegation is reported. Next, reporting anonymity is not respected; confidentiality is not maintained nor is any protection given which makes the victim susceptible to further assaults and taunting by comrades. Next, there is an emphasis on rank and focus on ignoring pain, fear, and death. Since victims are usually assaulted by people that out-rank them, it’s difficult for them to determine whether they were assaulted or simply following orders. Even though they did not want to participate in the act they may not have said “no”, because they are not trained to say “no”. If they file a report and it is unfounded, they must continue to work, live, eat, deploy with and depend upon their perpetrator. Out of the sense of camaraderie, the victim may feel a sense of responsibility to keep this secret in order to preserve the career and reputation of their perpetrator.
Next, is counseling, if they refuse it, they are accused of making a false allegation. After all the command may believe if you were really sexually assaulted, all you need is counseling to get over it; if you refuse it you must have lied”. However, in the military there is a stigma attached to counseling- it is for the vulnerable and the weak. Misguided leaders often automatically place rape victims, who are receiving counseling, on suicide-watch which means they have to be watched 24/7 by a peer or locked away in the psychiatric ward at the military hospital. They claim to do this out of concern; however, this is a game to them, they do understand the embarrassment that it causes the victim. It also serves another purpose; it deters others from reporting sexual assault in that unit. If the therapist did believe the victim was at risk, they were obligated to take action. These counseling records may be reviewed if the victim ever applied for a Top secret security clearance. Females may be ostracized, doubted, and isolated by male comrades due to a fear that she may later accuse them of rape. If the male perpetrator is attractive, other female comrades will belittle and strongly criticize the victim for reporting him. They may even attempt to attack her self-esteem by telling her how lucky she was that he was interested in her. Two men having sex in the military is a crime. So, males face all above plus the fear that they will be railroaded and face criminal prosecution if they report their abuse. Military males that sexually assault other males are very careful when choosing their prey. They target either very young males that they know to be vulnerable and from troubled backgrounds or males that others are not sure of their sexual preference (assume that they are gay or bisexual). Once a male is attacked, if he does not report he will be targeted for future sexual assaults by male members who secretly enjoy engaging in homosexual activity. When a male service member is believed to be gay or bisexual, others, for the sake of “good order”, make best effort to work around him and ignore any signs of femininity.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
PAGE 4
THE HEALING VOICE
He is still expected to act and look as masculine and military as possible. If he is assaulted, it is generally a sneak attack, extremely violent, committed by a senior ranking, homophobic, yet downlow male who is acting out of compulsion. Once the act is complete the live by. Neither perpetrator may trust that the victim will keep this secret: (1) because the victim wanted it, and (2) because he is the boss. And if the male victim is not asked, he won’t tell. Males who attack other male military members prey on those that other feel are weak and will probably not empathize with. The perpetrator often feels that the victims should understand his “need” to have violent sex and be capable of “taking” it. The male victim feels compelled to keep the secret for the sake of “good order”. These victims have military creeds, values, and ethos that neither male nor female victims want their comrades to feel that they are disloyal or unreliable. They feel that their abuse is inconsequential compared to the importance of their military operations. An even greater fear is that they may be accidently killed by friendly fire. The military either cannot or simply will not reveal how they are handling the issue of sexual assault in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also refuse to answer questions about the number of reported assaults over the past few years (estimated to be 165 cases in 2008 alone). Twenty-four rape cases, all female victims were reported during Desert Storm. However, the actual criminal reports are not on file anywhere. In regards to treatment for the victim, well experts admit that military hierarchy was
and still is ill-equipped and unprepared to deal fairly with sexual assault complaints. In times like these, when our nation is at war, there is great concern about sexual assault, because when sexual assault occurs on foreign soil, it brings great discredit upon the Unites States. So, the Pentagon Health care experts have identified (6 years ago) MST as a major readiness issue and want to make strides towards making improvements. Officials allege that MST and safety in the armed forces will be the subject of future studies. In times like these, when our nation is at war, there is great concern about sexual assault, because when sexual assault occurs on foreign soil, it brings great discredit upon the Unites States. So, the Pentagon Health care experts have identified (6 years ago) MST as a major readiness issue and want to make strides towards making improvements. Officials allege that MST and safety in the armed forces will be the subject of future studies. When attempting to treat military sexual assault victims, it is important to remember that you’re counseling people who are used to doing what they’re told. Sexual trauma therapists have been assigned to administer treatment to active duty personnel. Veteran’s Affairs offices now offer sexual assault counseling. The Pentagon established a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office which encourages victims to come forward. It is important that MST survivors know that they do not have to live with this secret.
References
Bossit, T (2009) Male victims of military sexual assault. Psychiatric Times. Hunter, M. (2007). Honor betrayed: sexual abuse in America’s military. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade. Tessier, M. (2003) Sexual Assault Pervasive in Military, Experts Say. Retrieved 30 December 2009, from http://www.Womenenews.org. Toysoldier Webiste (2009) Military men are silent victims of sexual assault. Retrieved December 30, 2009 from wordpress.com.
Potential Facilitators
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands 803-790-8208 www.stsm.org
PAGE 5
THE HEALING VOICE
Sabrina Wannamaker is a native of Swansea, South Carolina. She is a 2000 graduate of Swansea High School, 2004 honor graduate of Allen University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a 2009 graduate of Webster University with a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. She is currently employed in at Allen University and loves being able to give her time back to her alma mater. She serves as the Director of the College Ministry at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia. She loves to read and enjoys writing poetry. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. She enjoys working with teenagers and young adults. Sabrina’s values and strong belief in God has helped become a person of integrity, compassion, and kindness. She believes that trials really and do make you stronger and if the bad can get this bad, hold on to see how good the good can get. Don’t give up. Her philosophy of life is based on Isaiah 61:3, “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”
Potential Facilitators
Purpose: To provide therapeutic, psycho-educational, and support group services to survivors and their families. Groups are designed to serve varied populations including female and male survivors, adolescents, and their families. Responsibilities: • Attending to, describing, acknowledging, confronting, understanding, and responding empathically to group members behavior, statements, and themes • Maintaining group focus • Giving and receiving feedback in group setting Qualifications: • Students currently enrolled in graduate program in counselor education, social work, psychology, or other closely related disciplines • Licensed and/or Masters-level social workers, psychologists, and counselors • Reliable, dependable, and self-confident about handling stressful situations
To apply please email gsc@stsm.org. Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands 803-790-8208 www.stsm.org
PAGE 6
THE HEALING VOICE
Upcoming Training and Events
Monthly Group Clinical Supervision January 27 (6:00-7:30pm) STSM Child Sexual Abuse Training January 29, February 2, February 13 Volunteer Advocate Training February 6-11 5K Fun Run and Walk February 20
JANUARY 2010 S M T W T F 1 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 S 2 9 16 23 30
24/31 25
For more information on upcoming events and trainings visit:
FEBRUARY 2010 S M 1 7 14 8 15 22 T 2 9 16 23 W 3 10 17 24 T 4 11 18 25 F 5 12 18 26 S 6 13 20 27
www.stsm.org
Friendly Reminder to Group Facilitators
All forms are due by the first business day of the month. Weekly group updates are due by 9:00am every Friday via email.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands 3700 Forest Drive Suite 350 Columbia, SC 29204 Office - 803-790-8208 Fax - 803-790-8282 24 hour Hotline – 803-771-7273
Monday – Tuesday –
21 28
Current Groups
Morris Village Female Psycho-Ed Killingsworth Female Psycho-Ed Shandon Female Support Group CHIC Chat Female Adolescent Psycho-Ed
Wednesday – Sistercare Lexington Female Psycho-Ed The Women’s Shelter Female Psycho-Ed Thursday – Sistercare Richland Female Psycho-Ed
Check out STSM on Facebook!
Upcoming Groups
Thursdays – Teen Support Group at Post Trauma Resources beginning January 28, 2010
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
The Healing Voice
STSM Vision: Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands helps survivors of sexual trauma heal. Ultimately, we will end sexual violence in our community. STSM Mission: Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands supports survivors in recovery from trauma associated with sexual assault and abuse and educates the community to identify and prevent sexual violence.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands Group Services Newsletter January/February 2010
Group Services New Year’s Resolutions
Jennifer Gantt – “My new year’s resolution is to have more patience, especially with the little one on the way.” Janel Mitnaul – “My new year’s resolution is to improve my overall well-being – spiritually, emotionally, and physically.” Erica James – “My new year's resolution is to work on improving my Spanish. I took Spanish for several years and through lack of use, I have lost some of my knowledge. I plan to brush up on my skills!” ArLene Robinson – “My new year’s resolution is to be patient and wait on God.” LaQuista Peterson – “My new year’s resolution is to make a goal list, take a cooking class for fun, be more active, get a passport, travel more, make time for myself, and take time each day to read from the Bible and eat healthy.” Sabrina Wannamaker – “My new year's resolution is to be a healthier me: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.”
Staff
Genevieve Waller, Esq. Executive Director Georgina Hance Office Manager Sherry Lewis, MA, LPC Director of Therapy and Outreach Joan Amado, LMSW Director of Crisis Services Katie Reid, MSW Community Education Program Director Daphne Pearson, MA, LPC Advocate Counselor Jennifer Gantt, LMSW Group Services Coordinator Melanie Griffin, MSW Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Mary Dell Amick Hayes Volunteer Services Coordinator Emily Flores Bilingual Victim Advocate Reonda Washington Education Intern Whitney Beissner Education Intern Kayce Singletary Education Intern Shereka Catoe Clinical Intern Kyra Hufford Clincal Intern
Message from the Director of Therapy and Outreach
Inside This Issue
1 New Year’s Resolutions and message from the DTO 2 3 4 5 5 6 Facilitator’s Voice Facilitator’s Voice Facilitator’s Voice Facilitator Spotlight Potential Facilitators Upcoming Events
As we begin 2010, it is a time for both reflection and resolution. Reflecting on the past year, I would like to thank each of you for your commitment and dedication to your work and your compassion for the clients we serve as we assist them on their journey of recovery. As group facilitators in 2009, you fulfilled a vital role in assisting STSM by providing quality services to our community. In this new year, I am excited about the new opportunities we have with the development of our agency’s new vision, mission statement, and strategic plan. It is my resolution that the Group Services Program expands to offer groups, utilizing evidenced- based curriculums, throughout Lexington/ Richland, and Newberry counties. In anticipation and preparation for achieving our goals this year, I challenge each of you to maintain that same since of commitment, dedication, and compassion and add to it a spirit of excellence in all you do. I look forward to a productive year. Happy New Year!! Sherry Lewis
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
PAGE 2
THE HEALING VOICE
Facilitator’s Voice – ArLene Robinson Sexual Assault in the Military
Recently military members began to speak out about rape and sexual assault they suffered at the hands of their comrades. Twenty-eight percent of female veterans report to have been sexually assaulted during their careers. The military consists of approximately 212,000 females; 190,000 have served in war zones; 2,923 reported cases of rape or attempted rape last year. Women serving in the U.S. military today are more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. Men still weren’t admitting, so the VA began asking; 220 military men reported that they were sexually assaulted last year. The US Armed Forces has its own label for rape and sexual assault: “military sexual trauma” (MST). MST is categorized as anything from groping to stalking to rape. Sexual assault is pervasive in the U.S. military. Sexual abuse is perpetrated by recruiters before personnel enlist, drill instructors in boot camp, and continues right on up to repeated acts of sexual abuse at different duty stations, even into war zones. Military members spend a lot of time together, like a family. The commanders and senior leaders are in charge of taking care of the family and junior personnel are loyal family members. According to research conducted by The Miles Foundation, Inc., sexual assault is considered a rite of passage in the military and people are treated like black sheep of the family when they fail to quietly follow orders or ask for justice. Generally the senior leaders are the perpetrators and the junior members are the victims of sexual assault, and it is automatically understood that no one will accept the junior’s word over the senior’s. On day one, females are seduced into this military culture. Many women have revealed that their very first military sexual assault was at the hands of their recruiters. Many times the military chooses single, male recruiters that are very charismatic and relatively handsome. They are given a stipend each month to take young recruits out to dinners and to pay for other entertainment geared toward getting the applicant to agree to join the military. Some recruiters are so arrogant that they begin to abuse their position. In an effort to meet their quotas, these men target naïve, young girls. Instead of taking them to museums or other military educational venues, they take these girls to hotels and engage in sexual activity with them. The recruiters actions are inappropriate and not in accordance with military laws. However, since he just earned a new applicant for that recruiting station, he is applauded. Senior commissioned officers are also guilty of this same type behavior; some use their ranks to coerce female military members to sleep with them. It doesn’t stop there. Cover up of mishandled allegations of sexual assault occurs at the highest level of the military. A 2008 CNN report exposed that the Department of Defense has even resorted to ordering subpoenaed military officials not to appear before Congress to answer questions of allegations of sexual abuse that led to the death of a female Marine. The culture of the military contributes to all forms of aggression and in turn, promotes sexual abuse. It holds misogyny and homophobia as tradition. Unfortunately, these directly contribute to instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. When these instances occur, military leaders prefer to ignore them. Military commanders are extremely busy. Having to redirect valuable mission time to focus on military victims (who need treatment) and military rapists (who need punishment), all of which is the commander’s responsibility, is often too overwhelming for a mission-focused leader. They are not trained in rape crisis intervention. Many do not support programs that prevent sexual abuse. So these commanders do not create an open environment for reporting sexual assault which sends the message that- members who attempt to report sexual assault will face reprisal. This type commander has been found to blackball victims, deny them the
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
PAGE 3
THE HEALING VOICE
right to seek counsel, overlook them for prominent assignments and promotions, blame victims and support offenders, ensure allegations are unfounded, charge victims with filing false reports, harass them until they start to make mistakes, and then seek to dishonorably discharge them or railroad them into being discharged from the military without benefits. Many times these commanders convince victims to just “drop it”. These leaders fail to realize that when these incidents are unaddressed victims are destroyed and perpetrators are empowered to assault again. A study conducted by a Pentagon panel found that leadership played an important role in the prevention of unwanted sexual behaviors. If military leaders would only take a hard-nosed, zero tolerance stances against sexual abuse, the number of incidents would decrease significantly. Fifty percent of victims of MST admitted that they did not report their assaults. There are many reasons, in addition to fears that civilian sex assault victims experience, that deter military victims from reporting sexual assault. First, is the gossip mill, it is far worse in the military and the news is usually spread by someone in the administrative office as soon as an allegation is reported. Next, reporting anonymity is not respected; confidentiality is not maintained nor is any protection given which makes the victim susceptible to further assaults and taunting by comrades. Next, there is an emphasis on rank and focus on ignoring pain, fear, and death. Since victims are usually assaulted by people that out-rank them, it’s difficult for them to determine whether they were assaulted or simply following orders. Even though they did not want to participate in the act they may not have said “no”, because they are not trained to say “no”. If they file a report and it is unfounded, they must continue to work, live, eat, deploy with and depend upon their perpetrator. Out of the sense of camaraderie, the victim may feel a sense of responsibility to keep this secret in order to preserve the career and reputation of their perpetrator.
Next, is counseling, if they refuse it, they are accused of making a false allegation. After all the command may believe if you were really sexually assaulted, all you need is counseling to get over it; if you refuse it you must have lied”. However, in the military there is a stigma attached to counseling- it is for the vulnerable and the weak. Misguided leaders often automatically place rape victims, who are receiving counseling, on suicide-watch which means they have to be watched 24/7 by a peer or locked away in the psychiatric ward at the military hospital. They claim to do this out of concern; however, this is a game to them, they do understand the embarrassment that it causes the victim. It also serves another purpose; it deters others from reporting sexual assault in that unit. If the therapist did believe the victim was at risk, they were obligated to take action. These counseling records may be reviewed if the victim ever applied for a Top secret security clearance. Females may be ostracized, doubted, and isolated by male comrades due to a fear that she may later accuse them of rape. If the male perpetrator is attractive, other female comrades will belittle and strongly criticize the victim for reporting him. They may even attempt to attack her self-esteem by telling her how lucky she was that he was interested in her. Two men having sex in the military is a crime. So, males face all above plus the fear that they will be railroaded and face criminal prosecution if they report their abuse. Military males that sexually assault other males are very careful when choosing their prey. They target either very young males that they know to be vulnerable and from troubled backgrounds or males that others are not sure of their sexual preference (assume that they are gay or bisexual). Once a male is attacked, if he does not report he will be targeted for future sexual assaults by male members who secretly enjoy engaging in homosexual activity. When a male service member is believed to be gay or bisexual, others, for the sake of “good order”, make best effort to work around him and ignore any signs of femininity.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
PAGE 4
THE HEALING VOICE
He is still expected to act and look as masculine and military as possible. If he is assaulted, it is generally a sneak attack, extremely violent, committed by a senior ranking, homophobic, yet downlow male who is acting out of compulsion. Once the act is complete the live by. Neither perpetrator may trust that the victim will keep this secret: (1) because the victim wanted it, and (2) because he is the boss. And if the male victim is not asked, he won’t tell. Males who attack other male military members prey on those that other feel are weak and will probably not empathize with. The perpetrator often feels that the victims should understand his “need” to have violent sex and be capable of “taking” it. The male victim feels compelled to keep the secret for the sake of “good order”. These victims have military creeds, values, and ethos that neither male nor female victims want their comrades to feel that they are disloyal or unreliable. They feel that their abuse is inconsequential compared to the importance of their military operations. An even greater fear is that they may be accidently killed by friendly fire. The military either cannot or simply will not reveal how they are handling the issue of sexual assault in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also refuse to answer questions about the number of reported assaults over the past few years (estimated to be 165 cases in 2008 alone). Twenty-four rape cases, all female victims were reported during Desert Storm. However, the actual criminal reports are not on file anywhere. In regards to treatment for the victim, well experts admit that military hierarchy was
and still is ill-equipped and unprepared to deal fairly with sexual assault complaints. In times like these, when our nation is at war, there is great concern about sexual assault, because when sexual assault occurs on foreign soil, it brings great discredit upon the Unites States. So, the Pentagon Health care experts have identified (6 years ago) MST as a major readiness issue and want to make strides towards making improvements. Officials allege that MST and safety in the armed forces will be the subject of future studies. In times like these, when our nation is at war, there is great concern about sexual assault, because when sexual assault occurs on foreign soil, it brings great discredit upon the Unites States. So, the Pentagon Health care experts have identified (6 years ago) MST as a major readiness issue and want to make strides towards making improvements. Officials allege that MST and safety in the armed forces will be the subject of future studies. When attempting to treat military sexual assault victims, it is important to remember that you’re counseling people who are used to doing what they’re told. Sexual trauma therapists have been assigned to administer treatment to active duty personnel. Veteran’s Affairs offices now offer sexual assault counseling. The Pentagon established a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office which encourages victims to come forward. It is important that MST survivors know that they do not have to live with this secret.
References
Bossit, T (2009) Male victims of military sexual assault. Psychiatric Times. Hunter, M. (2007). Honor betrayed: sexual abuse in America’s military. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade. Tessier, M. (2003) Sexual Assault Pervasive in Military, Experts Say. Retrieved 30 December 2009, from http://www.Womenenews.org. Toysoldier Webiste (2009) Military men are silent victims of sexual assault. Retrieved December 30, 2009 from wordpress.com.
Potential Facilitators
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands 803-790-8208 www.stsm.org
PAGE 5
THE HEALING VOICE
Sabrina Wannamaker is a native of Swansea, South Carolina. She is a 2000 graduate of Swansea High School, 2004 honor graduate of Allen University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a 2009 graduate of Webster University with a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. She is currently employed in at Allen University and loves being able to give her time back to her alma mater. She serves as the Director of the College Ministry at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia. She loves to read and enjoys writing poetry. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. She enjoys working with teenagers and young adults. Sabrina’s values and strong belief in God has helped become a person of integrity, compassion, and kindness. She believes that trials really and do make you stronger and if the bad can get this bad, hold on to see how good the good can get. Don’t give up. Her philosophy of life is based on Isaiah 61:3, “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”
Potential Facilitators
Purpose: To provide therapeutic, psycho-educational, and support group services to survivors and their families. Groups are designed to serve varied populations including female and male survivors, adolescents, and their families. Responsibilities: • Attending to, describing, acknowledging, confronting, understanding, and responding empathically to group members behavior, statements, and themes • Maintaining group focus • Giving and receiving feedback in group setting Qualifications: • Students currently enrolled in graduate program in counselor education, social work, psychology, or other closely related disciplines • Licensed and/or Masters-level social workers, psychologists, and counselors • Reliable, dependable, and self-confident about handling stressful situations
To apply please email gsc@stsm.org. Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands 803-790-8208 www.stsm.org
PAGE 6
THE HEALING VOICE
Upcoming Training and Events
Monthly Group Clinical Supervision January 27 (6:00-7:30pm) STSM Child Sexual Abuse Training January 29, February 2, February 13 Volunteer Advocate Training February 6-11 5K Fun Run and Walk February 20
JANUARY 2010 S M T W T F 1 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 S 2 9 16 23 30
24/31 25
For more information on upcoming events and trainings visit:
FEBRUARY 2010 S M 1 7 14 8 15 22 T 2 9 16 23 W 3 10 17 24 T 4 11 18 25 F 5 12 18 26 S 6 13 20 27
www.stsm.org
Friendly Reminder to Group Facilitators
All forms are due by the first business day of the month. Weekly group updates are due by 9:00am every Friday via email.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands 3700 Forest Drive Suite 350 Columbia, SC 29204 Office - 803-790-8208 Fax - 803-790-8282 24 hour Hotline – 803-771-7273
Monday – Tuesday –
21 28
Current Groups
Morris Village Female Psycho-Ed Killingsworth Female Psycho-Ed Shandon Female Support Group CHIC Chat Female Adolescent Psycho-Ed
Wednesday – Sistercare Lexington Female Psycho-Ed The Women’s Shelter Female Psycho-Ed Thursday – Sistercare Richland Female Psycho-Ed
Check out STSM on Facebook!
Upcoming Groups
Thursdays – Teen Support Group at Post Trauma Resources beginning January 28, 2010
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
803-790-8208
www.stsm.org
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