Victim's advocate ready to help, listen Published Feb. 25, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- It was the stories his wife told him that inspired a career development course writer from the 366th Training Squadron here to become a victim advocate and part of the recovery process. Master Sgt. Daniel Mendoza said he used to listen to the horror stories his wife told him while she worked at a domestic violence center in Hawaii, and that's when he decided to stop listening and become a victim's advocate. "Victim's advocates are the heart of the (sexual assault response coordinator) program," said 1st Lt. Jacinta Anderson-Lujano, the deputy SARC. "They help the victims move on, ultimately aiding in the healing process. Male or female, after you've been through something like this, you can't be expected to know everything about the process of recovery." As a victim's advocate, Sergeant Mendoza helps men and women recover from prior and recent incidents. He said he has helped both males and females. "Becoming a VA does put you closer to these crimes, but with an incredibly positive effect; you're helping someone in need," he said. "Some of these people have been through sexual assault, violence, shootings and stabbings, and even enslavement." he said. Victim's advocates are a one-stop shop for clients. From the rape exam to the prosecution of the attacker, the client can call their victim's advocate or the SARC office with questions or for support. "Being a victim's advocate can be quite challenging, especially because of the time we put in off duty, but the reward of seeing someone overcome their obstacle and move on is great," Sergeant Mendoza said. Lieutenant Anderson-Lujano said people sign up to become victim's advocates for different reasons. Some enroll because they just want to give back. Others join because they know someone affected by sexual assault. However, Sergeant Mendoza's motive was different. "I signed up because I felt that the victims are predominantly female, and I wanted to be an example to them," Sergeant Mendoza said. "I wanted to show them that all men aren't like that. I don't want these victims to use their attackers to stereotype all men. It's a hard transition to go from being a victim to a normal person again, but it is always possible."