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FORT CAVAZOS, Texas—The 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command hosted a Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month symposium at the Lone Star Conference Center April 2, 2024.
Army Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention, also known as “SHARP,” is instilled to have a proactive response to eliminate sexual assault and harassment. SHARP is used to explain the role all Soldiers play in preventing sexual assault and harassment by training Soldiers on inappropriate actions and language in the workplace.
“Strength through unity,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Drapala, 13th ACSC Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “We are pulling all of our SHARP teams up to the installation level so we can take that collective mind and effect change.”
Drapala explained that having a collective of knowledge creates a strong emphasis on protection and prevention.
The Army's SHARP program supports all Soldiers and their dependents. Survivors under the age of 18 go through the Family Advocacy Program. Using two reporting methods, individuals can file for restricted or unrestricted reporting for assault. For harassment, the three reporting methods are formal, informal or anonymous reporting.
Sgt. 1st Class Qushunda Ford, the 61st Quartermaster Battalion Sexual Assault Response Coordinator explains how assault is taken care of by stating the two types of reporting, restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reporting is more hands off. The Criminal Investigation Division isn't involved nor are law enforcement officers. Unrestricted reporting is more in depth with medical exams and law enforcement involvement.
April is the Army’s designated Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month; this year’s theme is “Change Through Unity: Empower. Protect. Prevent.” This theme emphasizes unity in the fight against sexual assault; promotion of respect and empowerment for all.
According to the Directorate of Prevention Resilience and Readiness, the SAAPM 24 campaign highlights the importance of eliminating sexual assault and sexual harassment by working together to build a respectful culture for all. We all play a critical role in strengthening the command climate by engaging in behaviors that protect others and in supporting one another to achieve personal and professional success. SHARP offers training modules to help start the conversations or put an effective plan in place if something did end up happening.
Reporting starts at the lowest level, said Ford, “Not just leaders but Soldiers as well.”
Leaders and peers should encourage one another to speak up and say something if there is anything bothering them, said Ford. She continues by saying how leaders should guide them to necessary resources to help cope with any problems they might have.
Protecting Soldiers takes priority in all leaders' minds. Protecting soldiers ensures a positive working environment and improves morale across the board. SHARP protects Soldiers by ensuring they have a harassment and assault free environment to work in. Policies are put into place to ensure soldiers get the help they need. SHARP’s motto is “I. A.M. Strong,” which stands for Intervene, Act, and Motivate.
“If I see something wrong, I'm going to say something,” Ford said. “If somebody comes to me with an issue, I'm going to make sure they’re taken care of.”
Military protection orders are put into place for the safety of soldiers. No Soldier deserves an unhealthy work environment.
“We look at it as, this person filed a report or needs some form of protection, and we execute,” said Drapala. “We put those Military Protection Orders in place.”
Prevention is the overall goal. If Soldiers can prevent sexual assault and/or harassment, then soldiers are more likely to feel better about coming into work and increase productivity. With prevention, it ensures that anyone who thinks of committing assault or harassing another Soldier they are dealt with accordingly. “Everybody is responsible for everybody,” said Dralapa. “No matter the rank or unit everyone has a responsibility to speak up.”
The Army has a zero tolerance for assault and harassment.
Dr. John Forbert, the keynote speaker for the SAAMP 24 symposium said, “it's not just an awful sexual experience, but it's a horrible, violent crime.”
The overall vision of the symposium is to bring awareness to sexual assault and harassment. It can happen to anyone male or female. SHARP is there to assist those who are in these types of situations. Soldiers have access to resources and outlets to choose from. Not all cases are the same. From behavioral health to chaplains, Soldiers have a way to cope with their experience.
Depending on what the soldier wants. The designated Sexual Assault Response Correspondent can accommodate them and guide them to what they need. SHARP hotlines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2024 16:08 |
| Story ID: | 467693 |
| Location: | TX, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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