Free FH-specific phone app eases sexual assault reporting

By U.S. ArmyApril 3, 2015

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - A free phone application specific to Fort Huachuca is available for downloading and can be used by victims of sexual assault, someone who witnesses sexual harassment or assault, and those in need of suicide prevention help.

The "We Care" app, originally designed for Soldiers at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, and released by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), enables users to comfortably and discreetly report rapes and assaults or obtain information without the need to visit individual offices. Now, with the development of a Fort Huachuca-specific app, with just one click, members of the Fort Huachuca community have access to local phone numbers to confidentially report assaults or gather information without fear of discovery.

"The app is aimed at empowering victims and bystanders to get help, intervene, and support those impacted by Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault or suicide.," said Ellen Helmerson, in the Office of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, known as TRADOC, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1/4, in a 2014 interview. Development of a Fort Huachuca-specific application is part of the Army's push for development of installation-specific applications Army wide.

Helmerson explained how the app works.

Instead of wondering, "'What should I have done?'" the app "lets you know, here's what I should do," she said.

The app has buttons for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, DOD Safe Helpline, Fort Huachuca Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) offices, chaplain, Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center and more.

The best thing about the app, Helmerson said, is you just push the button to get help. No dialing is involved. Besides that, it's free.

Additionally, there are options at the bottom to click for information on what to do if you witness an assault, or are assaulted, or are thinking about suicide. Manuals and links to a variety of the most useful sites are also clickable.

"We are trying to reach the younger generation," said Master Sgt. Maricella Derrick, Fort Huachuca installation sexual assault response coordinator. "It's right there on the phone."

Derrick explained that installation personnel developed their own app last June. TRADOC released it in July. This month, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, personnel from the installation SHARP office are working to spread the word about the application.

The Soldier cited the advantages of using the app.

"It offers ease of access. People don't have to write numbers down during training or take my business card. People don't like to write and everyone carries their phone.

"There are a wide range of numbers [on the app] where people can get personal assistance. And, no one can see a person taking SHARP information off their phone. [Additionally], the program is always there when needed."

Derrick said the app primarily targets those 18 -- 24, the demographic in which the bulk of sexual assaults occurs. She added that it assures confidentiality and discretion and that colleges are now in the process of developing and using similar phone apps.

While TRADOC can track the number of times the "We Care" app has been downloaded, no one can trace the number of times it is used. Fort Huachuca specifics are not currently available.

While April has been designated as Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month and installation SHARP Program personnel have planned a number of activities, Derrick said the topic should be in everyone's mind year-round.

"We need to raise awareness among our families, friends, loved ones and co-workers that everyone deserves dignity and respect. This message needs to be ingrained within our entire community. Our Commanding General [Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley] is very supportive of the program and won't tolerate anything less," she said.

"Once the message becomes ingrained within the community, I'll be out of a job."