Army’s Sexual Harassment/assault Response and Prevention Program "Sharp"

The Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program plays a critical role in addressing and combating sexual harassment and sexual assault within the military. Despite the extensive training and resources provided through SHARP, the prevalence of these incidents continues to rise, raising important questions about the effectiveness of the current strategies and approaches employed by the Army.

Understanding SHARP: Goals and Objectives

SHARP aims to eradicate sexual harassment and sexual assault within the Army by fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all service members. The program seeks to educate company commanders, Soldiers, Department of the Army (DA) civilians, and their families about the definitions, implications, and consequences of sexual harassment and assault.

Specifically, SHARP focuses on the following objectives:

• Providing comprehensive training on recognizing and preventing sexual harassment and assault.
• Encouraging reporting of incidents and offering support to victims.
• Creating a safe environment where all individuals feel respected and valued.
• Promoting accountability and appropriate consequences for offenders.

The Reality of Sexual Assault in the Military

According to the Department of Defense’s annual report on sexual assault in the military, there has been a significant increase in reported incidents. For example, in 2017, the number of sexual assault reports rose by 10 percent, with 6,769 reports filed, compared to 6,172 in 2016. Alarmingly, it is estimated that 86 percent of sexual assaults in the military go unreported, indicating a severe gap in addressing these crimes effectively.

Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact characterized by the use of force, physical threat, or abuse of authority, or when the victim cannot or does not consent. Similarly, sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Both issues significantly undermine the core values of the Army and the well-being of its members.

Assessing the Effectiveness of SHARP

As we evaluate the effectiveness of SHARP, it is crucial to ask whether the current methods are truly working. The increase in reports suggests that some victims are beginning to feel more empowered to come forward. However, the continued rise in incidents indicates that there are still significant challenges to overcome.

In my opinion, a reevaluation of the training and prevention strategies is necessary. The data shows that while awareness is increasing, the ultimate goal of eliminating sexual harassment and assault remains elusive. To achieve this goal, the Army must consider a more innovative and engaging approach to training.

Innovative Approaches to Training

Collaboration among units is essential to develop effective methods for combating sexual harassment and assault. Here are some potential strategies:

• Enhancing in-person training sessions to be more interactive and engaging.
• Incorporating real-life scenarios and role-playing exercises to foster understanding.
• Utilizing peer-led discussions to encourage open communication about these issues.
• Moving away from solely online training modules to more hands-on experiences.

Creating a Supportive Environment

To further support the goals of SHARP, it is essential to cultivate an environment where Soldiers feel safe discussing these issues. Leaders at all levels must model appropriate behavior and demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and assault. This requires not only effective training but also a commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Additionally, the Army should focus on creating a culture where victims feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of retaliation. This can be achieved through anonymous reporting mechanisms and ensuring that all reports are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Conclusion

The Army’s SHARP program is an essential component in the fight against sexual harassment and assault. While there have been strides made in raising awareness and increasing reporting, the continued rise in incidents indicates that further action is necessary. By adopting innovative training methods and fostering a supportive environment, the Army can move closer to achieving its goal of completely eliminating sexual harassment and assault from its ranks.

In conclusion, addressing sexual harassment and assault within the Army requires a collective effort and a commitment to change. By viewing training not merely as a task but as a vital life lesson, and by actively engaging all members of the Army in this mission, we can create a culture where respect and dignity prevail.

References:

Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, 2018.

Army Regulation 600-20, Army Command Policy.

U.S. Army SHARP Program Overview.