Jewell Loving is the sexual assault response coordinator for Redstone Arsenal. The Sexual Harassment/Assault Program has restructured across the entire Department of Defense enterprise.

Following a restructuring to the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, or SHARP, Redstone Arsenal is realigning the reporting chain for its sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates to better serve members, civilians and their eligible family members.

Following directives from the Secretary of Defense’s Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault, SHARP program officials will now report directly to the installation senior commander. The change, according to the SHARP program, will provide optimal victim assistance and reporting opportunities to service members, their families and DOD civilians, as well as expert support to commanders and the oversight needed to appropriately execute the SHARP program’s mission.

“The new SHARP structure implements a ‘no wrong-door approach,’” Jewell Loving, Redstone Arsenal’s lead sexual assault response coordinator, explained. “Our main concern is offering resources to ensure the services that we provide are recovery oriented as well as culturally competent and gender inclusive. That’s very important.”

Loving was appointed lead sexual assault response coordinator by Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, Redstone’s senior commander, in March 2023.

A sexual assault response coordinator is the single point of contact when a sexual assault is reported at the installation. That person is responsible for assigning, monitoring, managing and documenting victim assistance and advocacy activities performed by victim advocates at the tactical level.

A victim advocate provides non-clinical crisis intervention and ongoing support and referrals for adult sexual assault victims.

“As the senior commander, it is my responsibility to ensure the execution of the SHARP program across Redstone Arsenal, and I couldn’t do it without the help of the installation’s subordinate and tenant units,” Mohan said. “Our excellent partnership here on the Arsenal guarantees a seamless transition while keeping our commitment to provide timely and efficient care for victims.”

Mohan directed Loving to conduct office visits with key leaders to inform them about the new concept and what additional resources may be needed, such as office space.

The new structure requires a full-time installation-based response workforce and adds two supervisory sexual assault response coordinator positions. Even with the restructuring, the SHARP program’s services remain the same, Loving said.

SHARP offers support to all DOD organizations, including the Navy, Air Force and Marines, and all DOD civilians.

“If someone from NASA, or the FBI, or (the Bureau of) Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wants to come to the SHARP office, we will never turn someone away,” Loving said. “We may not be able to assist you through our channels, but we will definitely provide you with resources for those who can assist you.”

Services are also available for the family members of Soldiers who are 18 and older. If contractors seek assistance, they won’t be turned away either and will be advised with the proper resources.

“We will provide the utmost respect, empathy and compassion for everyone who walks in our door,” Loving said. “I want to make sure our community knows that we are approachable and that we are available to assist. Our number one focus is your safety.”

Individuals can contact Loving at jewel.e.loving.civ@army.mil or any SHARP professional by calling the Redstone 24/7 SHARP hotline at 256-924-0795 or the DOD Safe helpline at 877-995-5247.

Loving is based at the Security Assistance Command, building 4402 on Martin Road. Other SHARP offices will be located at building 3457, the EEO building on Aerobee Road and in building 4488, the Garrison headquarters building on Martin Road. Two other office locations are expected to be added.

Loving said that for this program to be successful, it must be a collaborative effort with the Religious Support Office, Behavioral Health at Fox Army Health Center, Employee Assistance Program and the Equal Employment Office.

“You can’t do this alone,” she said. “It’s definitely collaborative.”