FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Soldiers from across the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade and other units from Fort Bragg attended "Beat the blame game" sessions for preventing sexual violence in York Theater, September 7. The training was a part of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.
Mr. Ben Murrie, an educator from Catharsis Productions, presented the session. Catharsis is an organization based in Chicago that educates military personnel, college students and corporate employees across the country about sexual violence and prevention.
The presentation started with a discussion about language, led by Murrie, stating that negative language about sex can be disempowering for both men and women. He said negative language could result in a hostile environment that might empower sexual predators.
"It's great to have Mr. Murrie take time and discuss beat the blame game program with our Soldiers," said Sgt. 1st Class Quinton McNair, 82nd CAB SHARP representative. "We hope this forum is more conducive to bring awareness to the SHARP program than those of the past."
Compared to traditional SHARP training events that include power point presentations or online training, Catharsis uses research, honesty and even humor to address the sensitive topic of sexual assault to engage the crowd.
The "Beat the blame game" session is designed to, according to its website;
Help audiences recognize and reduce victim blaming in themselves and others.
Change the culture to one that holds perpetrators accountable.
Increase the likelihood of bystander intervention.
Actively involve everyone in the work of cultural change.
By using a diverse method of training SHARP. the CAB's SHARP team hopes it's new method is better received.
"We didn't want to present what we have done in the past by the typical SHARP training," said McNair. "By adding the humanity aspect and a program like beat the blame game, we hope it's more effective in eliminating sexual assault and harassment from our Army."
Sexual offenses erode the trust of Soldiers and affect the readiness of units.
"By educating and properly informing our Soldiers of the SHARP program, we're ensuring our Soldiers within our ranks are educated on ways to prevent sexual assault and harassment as well as what to do if it does happen," said McNair. "Sexual assaults and harassments lower a unit's cohesion, which in turn, affects the unit's readiness."
This event occurred as part of a quarterly SHARP training given to all Soldiers within the CAB. This helps Soldiers at all levels take a visible active role in advancing the Army's efforts to stop sexual assault.
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