The 93rd Signal Brigade hosted a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program training presentation in Fort Eustis’ Jacobs Conference Center at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, April 25, 2018.
The training event aimed to provide Soldiers with skills to build respectful relationships and tools to apply effective communication with partners in support of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Traditionally, this annual training is delivered through lectures and projected slides. This year Quenita Samuel, 93rd Signal Brigade SHARP victim advocate, said she wanted to break tradition for a more engaging conversation with Soldiers.
“We want to make Soldiers feel more comfortable with starting a conversation about relationships and intimacy,” said Samuel. “I think they will be more receptive in a more engaging and interactive environment as opposed to a policy-driven lecture.”
Soldiers had the opportunity to participate in a discussion with guest speaker Mike Domitrz, founder of the Date Safe Project, a national organization advocating the importance of healthy dating environments and a clearer understanding of consent.
Domitrz performed his one-man show titled, “Can I Kiss You?,” a presentation that uses humor and personal anecdotes to create an open dialogue about respect, consent and sexual assault prevention.
The unconventional training relied on group participation and called for Soldiers to share their opinions or personal stories. The discussion yielded different points of view from participants as well as laughter and lightheartedness.
“Sexual assault is a very serious subject and can be hard to openly talk about,” said U.S. Army Pvt. Kamille Delgadillo, Foxtrot Company, 222nd Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Battalion, 128th Aviation Brigade CH-47 helicopter repairer. “The way [Domitrz] incorporated humor made it easier for us to get involved and talk about what we can do to look out for each other and how to take care of sexual assault victims.”
For more information, call the SHARP office at (877) 995-5247