Supporting Army Families

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention - SHARP

The Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, known as SHARP, exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur. Our goal is to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual harassment by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army family. Additionally, we strive to:

• Reduce the stigma of reporting
• Protect the victim
• Increase prevention, investigation, prosecution and victim care capabilities
• Increase training and resources
• Refine and sustain response capability

Sexual harassment and sexual assault are inconsistent with Army Values and will not be tolerated. One assault is one too many. We must foster a climate of trust that respects and protects our Soldiers, civilians, and family members. We are aggressively implementing and expanding the Army's comprehensive Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program. SHARP is a commander's program. We are committed to ensuring engaged leadership at all levels to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment. We will hold offenders appropriately accountable. It is critical to good order and discipline that commanders retain authority and responsibility for the prevention of and response to sexual assault and the disposition of sexual assault cases.

Army leaders at every level must:

• Establish a command climate of trust and accountability
• Reinforce that command climate with continuous education and training
• Use command climate surveys and other appropriate tools to ensure sustainment of the right environment within their organizations