CAMP ZAMA, Japan (April 9, 2014) -- The "Take Back the Night" barbecue, an event to kick off the month that promotes sexual assault awareness throughout the Army, was held by the U.S. Army Japan Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention team at the Camp Zama Youth Center on April 4, here.
Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer, Sr., the commander of U.S. Army Japan and I Corps Forward, said the event is about making a culture change, not just in the Army but "in the nation of the Army."
"This is all about taking care of each other," said Boozer, "our senior leaders (plan) to lead the change."
Boozer said the SHARP team at U.S. Army Japan is "absolutely magnificent" in promoting sexual harassment and sexual assault awareness throughout the community.
"Everywhere you go on Camp Zama, you will see something to remind you to talk about or address this problem that the Army has every day."
Boozer said the reason why the U.S. Army Japan SHARP program is as good as it is, is because of "people that are passionate about their jobs."
Brandy Fuesting, a victim advocate for U.S. Army Garrison Japan, said events to promote awareness of sexual assault (and harassment) is import for the community because sexual assault and harassment affects the entire community.
"From the kids to the adults, we want to make sure that our community knows that we are here for them," said Fuesting.
Different events are held throughout the year that brings sexual assault awareness to the community, such as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and annual training said Fuesting.
"From our annual training, we hear back from the community, 'We didn't know we had a problem,'" Fuesting continued, "once they realize it's not just an Army-wide problem, but our community and we need to take responsibility for our community, then they are absolutely ready to help and support our nation's goal."
Boozer said in order to know what we are not doing visually by the sexual assault awareness campaign (memorabilia), the community's feedback is most important.
"It takes feedback from not just Soldiers, but from our Department of the Army civilians and family members, and their kids."
Fuesting said the Camp Zama community's response is "good" because they address their questions and concern with the U.S. Army Japan SHARP team. "They know that we are here to help them through whatever struggles they might be having," said Fuesting.
"I feel that (the community) trust us," and they known that "they have a place to ask question and be empowered."
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