Terri Liles, LMSW, Coordinator, Helen’s Haven Children’s Advocacy Center and Sgt. Lewis being interviewed by area news media.
(Dateline: July 1, 2014): On June 17, 2014, Fort Stewart and the 3rd Infantry Division officially opened the Marne Advocacy Resource Center. This center will serve victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, and, also, victims of child abuse.
This is a multi-disciplinary center with multiple agencies, both military and civilian, working together to provide the most comprehensive services available to clients. Some of the agencies involved are the 3rd ID SHARP (Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention) program, Fort Stewart’s Department of Behavioral Medicine, the 3rd ID EO (Equal Opportunity) program, Fort Stewart CID (Criminal Investigation Department), Fort Stewart Medical Forensic Services, SJA (Staff Judge Advocate), Fort Stewart Family Advocacy, and Helen’s Haven Children’s Advocacy Center, which is located in Hinesville.
Helen’s Haven CAC has been given an office in which to conduct forensic interviews on site for military children. Law enforcement officials will observe through closed circuit television in an adjoining room. Helen’s Haven CAC and Fort Stewart agencies have worked together frequently since the opening of the CAC in 2005. This center on post further cements Fort Stewart leadership’s commitment to working with Helen’s Haven for the safety and welfare of military children. Since all of these agencies are in one location, the client does not have to retell their experience multiple times, thereby, reducing trauma.
Major General Mike Murray addressing those in attendance at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Marne Advocacy Resource Center at Ft. Stewart, GA.
Major General Mike Murray, the Senior Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, stated that this center is modeled after centers on other United States military installations. The general said, “My ultimate goal for this center is to have no need for it. I would love to come down here and close this facility down, but until we fix this problem – and it takes each and every one of us to fix this problem – there’s a need for this center, and I’m absolutely convinced that this center will do wonderful things.”