ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - A mobile training team from the Department of the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program briefed senior Aberdeen Proving Ground leaders about sexual assault awareness, response and prevention during a March 12 briefing at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory conference center. The briefing was part of a SHARP mobile training team visit that lasted from March 3 to 14.

"You have a duty to act when a sexual assault is reported," said Robin Linton, SRI contractor and a member of the SHARP mobile training team who led the training session.

The SHARP program promotes victim advocate training and teaches leaders and volunteers how to respond to victims of sexual assault.

As stated on the organization's website, the program's goal "is to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assaults by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army Family ... [and] exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur."

Each military unit and civilian organization on the installation is required to have victim advocates who serve as subject matter experts on how to respond to sexual assault claims.

"Sexual assault and harassment in the workplace is a serious problem that affects many employees and organizations," Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Theresa Owolabi said. "Training and development helps in optimizing the sexual assault program. Increasing public awareness around issues related to sexual violence and harassment will assist in recognizing correct and incorrect behavior."

The March 12 training session covered an array of topics regarding sexual harassment and assault in the military, including the sexual harassment formal complaint process, reporting options for victims and victim advocates, the impact that sexual assault and harassment has on the Army, and SHARP program implementation.

"SHARP training helps the employees and leadership of APG to quickly learn and apply the important elements of carefully and correctly handling sexual assault/harassment issues and complaints," Owolabi said. "This interactive training covers a detailed overview of what sexual assault and harassment is, explains legal definitions, discusses prevention, and shows how to handle complaints and maintain a positive work environment."

SHARP's training program has four main functions. The program involves supporting Army commanders in creating and conducting sexual harassment and assault reduction campaigns; developing and implementing such campaigns at a unit, command, installation or brigade level; responding to a sexual harassment or assault claim; and training Soldiers, civilians, commanders and other personnel on how to prevent and respond to incidents and counsel victims.

Emphasizing the need for SHARP training, Linton said, "A victim of sexual assault is not going to remember everything you teach them, but you can try."

Army and organization leaders from across APG attended the session. Senior leaders from major post organizations such as the APG Garrison, Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, 20th CBRNE Command, the post chapel, and the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command made up a leader panel and attendees were encouraged to ask questions during the two-hour SHARP PowerPoint presentation.

"The best way for organizations to reduce the risks of sexual assault and harassment in the workplace is to start with a solid training and prevention policy and to follow it up by taking steps to ensure that their leadership has a working knowledge of how to deal with inappropriate behaviors and allegations," Owolabi said. "SHARP awareness is a highly participatory training and focuses directly on improving skills to handle any sexual assault/harassment issue or complaint with greater confidence."

To learn more about SHARP, visit the website at http://www.preventsexualassault.army.mil/.