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Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- SAVI (Sexual Assault Victim Intervention) advocates, some of the Navy’s most vital volunteers, allow sexual assault survivors a means to speak. They provide confidential, personalized guidance to members of the station community who have experienced sexual assault. NAS Whidbey Island’s SAVI volunteers were recognized by their commands for their work April 9. “We expect a lot of our Sailors, always, in their day jobs, and then we give them collateral duties and expect a lot out of them in their collateral duties. They meet our expectations and more. You’re perfect examples of that, and I want to thank you for your work,” Capt. Gerral David, NAS commanding officer, said during his guest speech at the presentation. It takes a special person to fill a SAVI role, to put aside his or her own interests, make his or her own life secondary and ensure constant availability to meet the emotional and logistical needs of the client. “This is a victim-driven program. Everything is based on the victim’s needs. We are there to support them and their decisions,” said Catherine Miller, NAS sexual assault response coordinator. Comments by SAVI advocates exemplify the support they provide to victims. “It’s not just a phone call, it’s something I really take hold to,” said Ebony, a SAVI advocate. “I really strive to satisfy the needs of those in need. It’s all about helping people and being an outlet for them,” said Gail, another SAVI advocate. The world of a sexual assault victim is often too sensitive or taboo to acknowledge. The SAVI program attempts to remove that stigma as much as possible, by showing compassion and confidentiality. Advocates work through barriers to take the shame and pain out of the worst crime that a victim lives through. Advocates are there for the victim through every step of the post- sexual assault process, acting as their voice. He or she ensures that the victim is aware of their rights, responsibilities and options and understands medical, legal and command systems. “People need us. Victims, male and female, need someone they can talk to, that can walk them through the process and maintain confidentiality,” said Tina, a SAVI advocate. Furthermore, she explained that because of advocates’ affiliation with the Navy, “We understand what they’re going through and their working environment.” Throughout the process, advocates work to promote the restoration of crime victims’ sense of safety, dignity and personal power. It’s been proven that the SAVI system works, both world-wide and locally. According to Adm. Michael Mullen in a 2004 statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee, a 2002 Navy-wide survey of SAVI program clients revealed that 100 percent of those receiving advocacy services indicated that the services helped them cope with the sexual assault and 96 percent indicated that the program showed concern for Sailors and their families. Miller explains that service members at NAS Whidbey Island share that satisfaction with SAVI services. “When active duty service members have utilized services outside of the gate and then become aware that SAVI is available to them, they prefer SAVI. They feel more comfortable with us because we’re part of the Navy system,” she explained. In 1994, the Navy launched SAVI, the first program of its type in the armed services, dedicated solely to the victim of a sexual assault. In 2005 other military branches initiated their own sexual assault response services. The success of the NAS SAVI program, a microcosm of this overall achievement in the support of sexual assault victims, would not be possible without the dedicated, caring support of trained advocates. If you are interested in becoming a SAVI advocate, contact Catherine Miller at (360) 257-8893. Additionally, if you or someone you know is victim of sexual assault, call the NAS quarterdeck at (360) 257-2632. Request the on-call advocate and only give your first name and a return phone number. http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/savi_volunteers_ease_pain_of_traumatic_experience/