2d CR Soldiers, families "Take back the night"

ROSE BARRACKS, Germany -- The 2d Cavalry Regiment Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response & Prevention team held a "Take back the night" walk, April 30, 2014, on Rose Barracks, Germany to combat sexual assault and support the U.S. Army's sexual assault prevention month and the 2 CR SHARP program.

"The reason we are doing this is so we can reassure Soldiers and families that just because you are walking at night you should not be afraid," said Sgt. 1st Class Tyler John Armstrong, the 2 CR Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "We wanted to bring everyone together as a group to show our support for the SHARP program."

The Army's goal is to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual harassment by creating a climate of respect and dignity of every member of the Army family. It exists so that the Army can prevent incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault before they occur.

The SHARP program's mission is to promote a culture and command climate that ensure adherence to the Army Values and that every Army team member is treated with dignity and respect at all times and in all circumstances.

"We are trying to bring awareness to the community about SHARP and how we can combat it, said Sgt. Theron Marshall, from Signal Troop, Regimental Support Squadron.

The walk also allowed 2 CR Soldiers to meet and identify their SHARP victims advocate for their respective units.

"It's really important that the Soldiers know, throughout the Regiment, who their squadrons' victim advocates are and that they don't have to go to a specific one because they have so many to choose from, we are always here; the door is always open," said Armstrong.

The walk underlines the unit's dedication to preventing sexual within its ranks and each Soldier's commitment to the program.

"This is a commitment to the Soldiers and the SHARP program. This symbolizes 2 CR's commitment to stop sexual assault," said Armstrong.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight the corrosive effect sexual assault has on Soldiers, unit readiness, team cohesion, command climate and trust. Observation of SAAM events spread the message of SHARP and how to fight it.

To find out more about the SHARP program and how to combat sexual assault and harassment go to: www.army.mil/sharp/