REDSTONE ARSENAL, AL - Army Materiel Command Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program representative training concluded Dec. 12. Thirty-three students completed the two-week course to become SHARP representatives for their respective commands.
"We must continue to train our workforce to create lasting cultural change, and eradicate sexual harassment and assault," said Master Sgt. Andrew Ruffin, AMC Equal Opportunity and SHARP program manager.
"This year, AMC has increased our number of victim advocates. Last year we had 80; we now have more than 200 SHARP certified personnel throughout the AMC global footprint," he added. The Army and AMC have placed increased emphasis on eliminating sexual assault and harassment in the workforce.
The training covered topics ranging from victim's rights to facilitating Sexual Assault Review Boards. Instruction was not limited to classroom work. Students also traveled to Crisis Services of North Alabama for a first-hand look at a local abuse shelter. CSNA staff educated participants on the center's role in sexual assaults on Redstone Arsenal. The students toured the confidential location, including exam rooms where victims receive medical treatment, as well as a waiting room filled with toys to occupy children while they wait.
A panel of sexual assault subject matter experts also met with the students during training. The panel consisted of legal experts, a sexual assault response coordinator, a medical expert, and a CID investigator.
Graduating students are able to apply for the Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program. Once certified, these new SHARP representatives will become subject matter experts for their command.
"The people who graduated are victim advocates," Ruffin said. " Their role is to be the champion for the victim."
For assistance from a certified SHARP Victim Advocate, call the AMC SHARP office at 256-450-6425, or the 24/7 Redstone Arsenal hotline at 256-924-0795.
Social Sharing