Air Force's first Sexual Assault and Prevention Response K-9 comforts victims

Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, is home to the Air Force’s newest asset in the fight against sexual assault: Tessa, a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response K-9, according to the Department of Defense. Shellie Severa, SAPR's head victim advocate for the 354^th Fighter Wing said Tessa provides comfort for victims who have come forward to report sexual assault.

"Tessa brings a stability to reconnect with victims who have emotionally disconnected because of the traumatic event they have gone through," Severa said. "Each individual is different on how they are going to handle their trauma, but one of the biggest things we see with almost all trauma victims is lack of trust, and trust can be re-established through the assistance of a dog."

Severa serves as Tessa’s handler and works daily with the K-9 to ensure she’s in the right mindset to assist a victim and to help her learn her role as a service dog. Since last winter, the 5-month-old golden retriever has assisted seven sexual assault victims, officials said.

"We are having victims come out of the shadows who were afraid for numerous reasons to report; having a dog in the program is important for them to realize this is a place where they are safe and can rebuild trust," Severa said. "Tessa has brought many smiles to people engaging with her, and encouraged people to tell their story, which helps them to have a voice again and take back the power they lost."

As a new program, the SAPR K-9 needed support and people working to ensure Tessa would gain her service dog credentials. Air Force Maj. Kelly Franklin, the 354th Medical Operations Squadron public health flight commander, reviewed Tessa’s records and temperament to ensure she is a good fit for the Air Force.

"I also observed Tessa's behavior and evaluated her temperament to see how she interacts with people to ensure she was a good fit for the Air Force," Franklin said. "I look forward to watching Tessa with her handlers and seeing the progression and impact they will have at Eielson Air Force Base and throughout the Air Force."

The SAPR team at Eielson Air Force Base said they hope Tessa’s success will increase the focus of victim care and that other SAPR programs will follow their lead.

"It’s been phenomenal having a tiny member of our team accomplish so much positivity in the short amount of time she’s been here," said Air Force Capt. Heather Novus, the 354th Fighter Wing’s sexual assault response coordinator. "I hope we can smooth the transition for other bases to adopt a SAPR K-9, and we would love to assist supporting this idea across other installations and can ease the process for others to adopt what has been a successful program so far."