Army Community Service recently welcomed Linda Crosby as the new lead Sexual Assault Response coordinator at White Sands Missile Range.

Her responsibilities are to advise and assist leadership with implementation and oversight of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program and provide advocacy services for Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and Family Members over the age of 18.

Until recently Crosby was working as the lead Sexual Assault Response Coordinator in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Wanting to be closer to family brought her back to the states.

"I think (WSMR) is a wonderful community," Crosby said. "It is very supportive."

She received her training through the Department of Army SHARP Academy and is credentialed by the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program and the National Advocate Credentialing Program sponsored by the National Organization for Victim Assistance.

In 2012 when the I. A.M. STRONG (Intervene, Act and Motivate) campaign kicked off, Crosby said she wanted to be a part of the support and the programs the Department of Defense was implementing to assist those who had been victims of sexual assault and/or harassment. I. A.M. STRONG is the Army's campaign to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault by engaging all Soldiers and DA Civilians in preventing sexual assaults before they occur.

"I want to support those who have been affected by sexual violence to have a voice and support that voice throughout the process. My goal is to be that support system to help them gain that voice back and on the road to recovery by ensuring appropriate referrals are made in support of victims of sexual assault and complainants of sexual harassment and that they receive all needed guidance and emotional support during administrative, medical, investigative, and legal procedures, and that they understand the processes involved and that services are provided through a coordinated community response.

Crosby said she wants to create a climate of trust for those who have been affected and for them to feel comfortable coming forward with a comprehensive program that centers on awareness, prevention, training, education, victim advocacy, response, and reporting.

"I want to make them aware of the resources and agencies that are here to support them."

Crosby said it is important to have the SHARP program in place to provide services and support to victims. Sexual assault victim advocacy services are available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, both on and off post, for all service members and other persons covered by the SHARP Program.

The SHARP program's mission is to promote an Army culture and command climate that fosters adherence to the Army Ethic and ensures every Army team member will be treated with dignity and respect at all times and in all circumstances. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are fundamental breaches of the Army Ethic and violate the expectation that Department of the Army Civilians and Soldiers treat everyone with dignity and respect.

For more information contact Crosby at (575) 678-3933 or stop by the ACS office at 250 Rock Island Ave., Room 105. To report an incident of sexual assault call the WSMR SHARP hotline 24/7 at (575) 993-0589 or emergency services at 575-678-1234 or 911.

You can also call the DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.