Command program aims to educate and assist

By Mr. Larry D Mccaskill (Army Contracting Command)November 12, 2014

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Ensuring the command climate is one of respect and dignity is one method in reducing and eliminating all forms of sexual assaults and harassment, according to Army Contracting Command officials.

Kim Green, ACC sexual assault response coordinator and Army sexual harassment/assault response and prevention officer, reports directly to the ACC chief of staff. She said the command has been very responsive to victims' allegations and takes them very seriously.

"People have been held accountable and have been treated fairly regarding any allegations that have been brought forward," said Green, who became the SARC/SHARP officer in July. "We have more than 50 trained SARCs and victim advocates within ACC. The command's goal is to ensure our Soldiers and civilian work force are being trained and educated on appropriate workplace behavior."

Under the SARC/SHARP program, Green promotes programs and agencies that assist Soldiers and civilians with issues such as domestic violence, family support services and counseling in general. The ACC SARC/SHARP Office is the focal point for all actions, policies and guidance within the command, she explained.

In her position, Green provides oversight and assistance on SARC/SHARP policies and guidelines. She also educates and trains Soldiers, civilians, contractors and family members on the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

"The command has been very proactive," Green said. "Any issue that has arisen has been addressed immediately with proper and fair investigations. Individuals have been held accountable if a violation has occurred. Victims have been assisted throughout the process with the utmost respect and dignity first and foremost."

Green said the biggest challenge in most organizations is also the hardest.

"The biggest challenge is changing the culture," said Green, a retired sergeant major with active duty experience in the SARC/SHARP areas. "Sexual harassment happens on a regular basis in some way, shape, form or fashion without individuals realizing it. The challenge will be to change the culture. Some examples are inappropriately staring at someone, inappropriate jokes or looking down a shirt. These types of actions sometimes happen subconsciously to those who have been doing it all their lives. It's their culture and it's wrong."

Green also wants to debunk the myth that sexual harassment and assault only happen to women.

"We need to unplug that sexual assault/sexual harassment just happens to females. It happens to males as well," Green said. "We've had allegations from males but I believe there are many that have not been come forward. I hope more will come forward because all victims have the right to a work environment free of harassment."