Army Europe to conduct annual SHARP stand down

By U.S. Army Europe Public AffairsApril 9, 2015

Army Europe to conduct annual SHARP stand down
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany (April 8, 2015) -- As the Army continues to push back against sexual harassment and assault prevention, whole-hearted measures are being taken to create a culture and environment that upholds standards and Service member values.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April is recognized throughout the United States by both civilian and military communities. This month offers a unique opportunity to build on existing momentum to eliminate sexual crime and to ensure all Service members are in a command climate, where they are treated with dignity and respect.

"The SHARP [sexual harassment/assault response and prevention] stand-down training and activities reinforces the Army's commitment to preventing sexual assault throughout USAREUR [U.S. Army Europe] and provides Soldiers, civilians, and Family members with the necessary tools to effectively intervene when a potentially dangerous situation arises," said Michelle Fonseca, a SHARP program specialist, assigned to Army Europe's personnel division.

The stand-down training, which will take place April 15-17, will include scenarios at different locations on each installation. Participants will be divided into small groups and spend time at each station, learning how to properly engage the situation according to military and legal standards.

These events were coordinated by Army Europe's G1 personnel division and have been an annual event here for the past several years to combat one of the Army's biggest readiness deterrents.

According to the DoD's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website, during fiscal year 2014, there were a total of 2,525 reports of sexual assault in the Army; representing an eight percent increase from FY13. There were 2,128 unrestricted reports and 397 restricted reports, respectively.

Fonseca said that training is vital to continuing the momentum that has been built to not only help victims but also to train bystanders on how to intervene in a situation, which will also be a part of the stand-down events.

"The bystander intervention training programs encourage genuine dialogue by using humor, audience interaction, and dynamic theatrical media to overcome the traditional defensiveness and preconceptions about these issues," she said.

"The purpose of the stand-down is to ensure commanders and leaders at all levels directly engage their unit personnel for the purpose of creating a positive climate of trust and respect and protects our Soldiers, civilians, and Family members," Fonseca said.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Europe News

Army.mil: Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention and Response Program

STAND-TO!: Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

U.S. Army Europe

U.S. Army Europe on Twitter

U.S. Army Europe on Facebook

U.S. Army Europe on Flickr

U.S. Army Europe on YouTube

SHARP Website