SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Nov. 4, 2014) -- U.S. Army, Hawaii has moved a "step forward" by opening a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Resource Center next to the U.S. Army Health Clinic here.
The center is a one-stop shop with all the resources available to respond to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment, and to investigate incidents.
Schofield Barracks is one of 12 Army installations in the world selected by the chief of staff of the Army to create a facility to support victims of sexual assault and provide training, responsiveness and education -- a "combined arms" approach to response and prevention.
Maj. Gen. Charlie Flynn, senior commander of U.S. Army Hawaii, and commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, said the center will embrace the chief of staff of the Army's five imperatives.
After cutting the ribbon to open the center, Flynn and Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Jones, 25th Inf. Div. senior enlisted adviser, headed to the Nehelani, where U.S. Army Hawaii held its first Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, or SHARP, Summit.
"It's our obligation to make sure it works," said Flynn, in opening remarks. "No one should have to live under the fear and danger of sexual assault and sexual harassment."
Flynn said Soldiers and civilians here must ensure the SHARP Resource Center works. The Army values do not allow such behavior in the service.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Carolyn West, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Washington-Tacoma, provided alarming statistics, years of research and personal experiences battling academic sexual harassment.
She discussed the realities of the victim, the perpetrator, and the conducive environment.
Trauma, depression, physical health problems, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, often inflict the victim, she said.
The perpetrator is often an "undetected rapist" and doesn't usually have just one victim, she added. The perpetrator proceeds through stages, including "target selection," "grooming," "instilling false trust," and eventually, "initiation of assault."
Leaders and bystanders, she said, must begin to see and visualize the victim; they must confront and deal with perpetrators, and have the courage to change the culture.
Before the summit ended, Lt. Col. Larry Dewey, commander, 19th Military Police Battalion, Criminal Investigation Detachment, asked an unspoken, but vital question.
"Are we improving?" Dewey asked. "Yes, we are."
He presented evidence showing fewer sexual assault and harassment offenses. However, more reports from victims and reports from them that may be delayed by years muddle current statistics.
The SHARP Resource Center is "victim-centric," said Lisa Charles, Sr. Cdr. and 25th ID SHARP program manager, before closing the summit.
"During the holiday season, the rate of sexual assaults spikes up," she said, explaining her team will be especially focused on younger Soldiers to educate and prevent instances.
Brig. Gen. Sean Jenkins, 25th Infantry Division deputy commanding general for support, provided closing remarks.
"We still have much to learn and we still have a ways to go," he said. "Each one of us owns part of this problem. Trust and respect are our foundation."
The CSA's Five Imperatives regarding SHARP
1. Prevent offenders from committing crimes, provide care and protect the rights and privacy of survivors.
2. Report allegations and investigate.
3. Create positive environments of trust and respect.
4. Hold all accountable and responsible.
5. Remain fully engaged.
Related Links:
Center for the Army Profession and Ethic
New center provides comprehensive care to assault victims
Installations to open SHARP Resource Centers
SHARP Resource Center provides safe haven for victims
Army.mil: Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention news
STAND-TO!: Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention
Learn what L.D.R.S.H.I.P. stands for
U.S. Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program
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