SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — U.S. Army Hawaii stood up a new directorate as part of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program that focuses on a victim-centric model of care and support for survivors of sexual assault and emphasizes prevention by providing comprehensive training and resources for units and their leaders.
The Fusion Directorate located on Schofield Barracks is a significant change being implemented as a pilot program at select locations across the Army to address unacceptable behaviors among Soldiers and Army families.
U.S. Army Hawaii is one of seven locations in the U.S. chosen to stand up the pilot directorates, which bring synergy and collaboration among staff to one central location, to improve victim support and focus on prevention.
“By consolidating services into one location, the Fusion Directorate makes it easier for survivors to navigate what can be a complex process from making a report through case resolution and long-term recovery,” said Maj. Gen. Joe Ryan, U.S. Army Hawaii and 25th Infantry Division commanding general. “I believe in the chain of command, and reporting through the chain of command is still a viable option. That said, the Fusion Directorate model aims to increase transparency and efficiency by coordinating survivor care providers, law enforcement investigators and criminal prosecutors all into one organization.”
Jodee Watters, the director of the Fusion Directorate and lead planner, recently arrived in Hawaii to oversee the directorate’s opening, and began managing the day-to-day operations to support victims.
“As part of the planned redesign of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, the Army is establishing a victim-centered fusion directorate designed to care for, protect and empower victims,” Watters said.
According to Watters, the Fusion Directorate offers an additional reporting mechanism and integrated medical, investigative, legal and support services that are not only independent of the victim’s immediate command, but in one central location.
The other sites across the U.S. are located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Irwin, California; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Additionally, the U.S. Army Reserve will pilot a virtual Fusion Directorate for the 99th Readiness Division, based at joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Army senior leaders will use the results of the pilot program to make informed decisions on if, and how, the program should be expanded Army wide.
To view more photos from the directorate's opening, view the associated Flickr page.
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