The two day event gave Sexual Assault Respons... VIEW ORIGINAL
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Virginia - The 597th Transportation Brigade hosted the second Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Semi-Annual SHARP Performance Improvement Forum (PIF), Sept. 26-27 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
The two day event gave Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Victim Advocates (VAs) from throughout the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command an opportunity to share experiences and speak with medical and police agencies who deal with cases involving sexual assault.
597th Trans. Bde. commander, Col. Frederick Crist, speaking on behalf of the SDDC command team spoke very passionately about the "Are We T.R.A.C.K.I.N.G?" campaign and the importance of the SHARP Professionals to command leadership and to the victim's rights movement.
Ms. Lynette Bacote, who is herself a Sexual Assault Survivor, spoke extensively of her own very traumatic experience.
The SHARP Professionals concluded day one of the PIF with a visit to Riverside Hospital where they received a briefing from the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Ms. Elizabeth Walters.
Walters, explained the procedures and capabilities of the forensics exam that sexual assault victims undergo.
A follow-up visit was later made to the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Criminal Investigative Division where participants received a briefing from Special Agent In Charge, Jenifer Nims, on the investigative measures conducted as a result of sexual assault crimes.
The following day of the forum, the SARCs and VAs travelled to Washington DC where they visited and received briefings from the DOD Safe Helpline and the Rape Abuse Incest National Network organizations.
"This was a highly successful PIF where SHARP Professionals with all ranges of experiences gained invaluable knowledge that will allow them to be more productive and successful in these very demanding and challenging positions," said Sgt. 1st Class Yao Benie."
The PIF was coordinated and ran by the SDDC Program Manager, Ms. Sharon Bryant, and 597th Trans. Bde. SHARP team members, Sgt. 1st Class Yao Benie and Mr. Malcolm Scales.
Related Links:
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention
597th Transportation Brigade Facebook Page
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