SHARP speaker: Cultural change is a mind change

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson, JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public AffairsApril 13, 2015

SHARP speaker: Cultural change is a mind change
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Donna D. Ferguson, behavioral science education and training deputy division chief for the U.S. Army Military Police School, speaks during the annual Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention professional development training on Joint Base My... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
SHARP speaker: Cultural change is a mind change
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – More than a thousand Service members and civilians from the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Military District of Washington and its inter-agency partners listen during the annual sexual harassment/assault response and prevention... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ARLINGTON, Va. (April 7, 2015) -- More than a thousand Service members and civilians from the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Military District of Washington and its inter-agency partners recently gathered during the annual Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, or SHARP, professional development training.

During the event, Donna D. Ferguson spoke about "Cultural Change is a Mind Change: Bridging the Gap" on Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, April 7.

Ferguson, who was the keynote speaker, serves as behavioral science education and training deputy division chief for the U.S. Army Military Police School. She explained that cultural change is required to put an end to sexual offenses in the military and its surrounding communities.

"If you have to change a culture, then you have to voice your opinions," Ferguson said. "Anyone to affect change and inspire others."

Ferguson highlighted that sexual assault is a personal topic and people tend not to talk to it, but talk around it.

"Strongholds are a particular attitude that prevents people from embracing change," Ferguson said. "Strongholds regarding sexual assault usually create barriers that make it difficult for people to adjust their way of thinking. Letting go of your strongholds can ultimately change a culture. If you change the mind, the heart will follow."

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is observed each April to raise awareness and educate communities on the prevention of sexual violence.

"The harder you try to break the bad behavior, the worse it'll get," Ferguson said. "The first thing you need to change is your thoughts. Once you change your thoughts, it'll change your words and then ultimately change you."

Related Links:

SHARP app puts help in Soldiers' hands

Report shows Army making progress in SHARP efforts

SHARP Summit 2015: Army news and information

Army.mil: North America News

STAND-TO!: Army SHARP Annual Unit Refresher Training

STAND-TO!: Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month