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JB, BC SARC offices team up, take care of victims

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst commander, deputy commanders and representatives from the JB MDL SARC office, visited The Burlington County Rape Care Center Sept. 10, 2013, in Moorestown, N.J., to create a professional relationship between the local and on-base SARC offices.

Sexual assault is about taking power away from the victim; sexual assault response professionals help the victim regain that lost power.

"Unfortunately sexual assault is still a big issue in both the military and civilian world," said Mary Kierstead, JB MDL sexual assault response coordinator.

Air Force Col. James Hodges, JB MDL commander, Army Col. Chuck Coursey and Navy Capt. Christopher Fletcher, JB MDL deputy commanders, sat down with Burlington County SARCs to discuss how their program works and explain the support levels offered to victims. The commanders and Kierstead were pleased to hear the civilian and military programs are practically identical in terms of procedure and support.

"I was surprised at the level of similarity between the programs," said Keirstead. "It did my heart good to know our program is up to snuff with local and state programs."

SARCs address the victims' safety and security needs, provide an opportunity for victims to communicate the incident, feel validated and offer expertise to prepare victims for the road ahead. Professional assistance with medical care, counseling services, spiritual support and legal resources are also available to victims according to the official Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website.

The biggest take-away from the meeting is that having similar programs means no lack of service for those who don't feel comfortable seeking help from one or the other. Service members can utilize the Burlington County office without ever informing the on-base office if they so choose.

"I want to make clear that it isn't necessarily important where a service member receives help as long as they get the support they need," said Hodges. "This care center is a viable option not only for joint base service members but also for the people who live and work in this community."

The joint base touches two counties but the majority of it falls geographically within Burlington County.

"Such a large part of the base population lives in Burlington County and it's only logical for us to want to develop this relationship," said Jillian Kotarski, Burlington County sexual assault services program director. "I'm excited to cross train with Mary and her team and see what we can learn from each other."

Kierstead shared similar feelings, proving the cohesion has already begun.
"We are definitely going to invite them on base to help train our service members the first chance we get," said Kierstead.

Call 754-2968 for the JB MDL SARC officer or (856) 234-5484 ext. 210 for the Burlington County SASP office. Both offices can receive calls 24/7.

"For anyone out there who feels hesitant to get help, just know there are so many people how are ready to lend their support," said Kiestead.