FORT SILL, Okla. (Dec. 18, 2014) -- To better meet the needs of the Fort Sill community, the SHARP Resource Center is open in Building 2870 Craig Road.
The center was established through a partnership between the Fort Sill Sexual Harassment, Assault and Response Program (SHARP), Garrison SHARP, Reynolds Army Community Hospital, Criminal Investigation Division and the Staff Judge Advocate Office. The center offers a centralized location for sexual harassment and assault response and prevention.
Adjacent to Graham Resiliency Training Center, this multi-disciplinary, interagency center offers comprehensive victim centered services to Soldiers, civilians and family members who have been victims of sexual assault or harassment.
Previously, victims were driven back and forth to six different offices located all over post. Now, the SHARP-RC has consolidated resources in a single building, with the exception of medical assistance, which remains at Reynolds Army Community Hospital.
"Victims come to us for help during an extremely stressful period in their lives," said Leslie Watts, Fort Sill SHARP program manager. "Driving from location to location took up valuable time and added to victim's stress. By bringing as many offices and resources together into a central location, we hope to streamline and simplify the process to provide the best care that we can."
Clients at the new SHARP-RC will receive services from an expert team of providers who are dedicated to helping victims navigate the medical, legal and criminal justice systems. These teams of experts take a in-depth approach to serve the needs and wants of the victim, assisting in every step of the process.
"This is a great asset to assist victims and improve the quality of services," explained Sgt. 1st Class Nicolas Raso, 214th Fires Brigade Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "But, I want Soldiers and the Fort Sill community to know that it does not change restricted and unrestricted reporting options. The SHARP-RC does not replace education and prevention programs, commanders, reporting requirements or unit SARCs."
The SHARP-RC is designed to increase the victim options, not limit them. All previous reporting options remain available, victims are still given the opportunity to seek the advice and counsel of experts and make reports to whomever they feel most comfortable.
"The SHARP-RC is not only for victims, it is also a resource for commanders and leaders to receive training and consultation," said Watts. "We hope the increased visibility and centralization will encourage leaders to improve education and work to prevent sexual assaults and harassment."
While not a "one stop shop" for SHARP resources, the center makes receiving assistance and the reporting process as stress-free as possible by enhancing existing victim services, putting as many resources as possible together under one roof.
"The creation of the SHARP-RC is further proof that Fort Sill takes all reports seriously," said Raso. "Whether a victim decides to make a restricted or unrestricted report, we will always do everything we can to help and provide every service at our disposal."
Social Sharing