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FORT KNOX, Ky. — Major Gen. Thomas Drew, commanding general, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, kicked off the command’s annual observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month April 1 by signing HRC’s proclamation.
The proclamation commits the unit’s leadership and personnel to eliminating sexual violence in the Army’s formations and supporting survivors.
This was the first of several events the command is holding throughout the month to highlight awareness and prevention of the crime of sexual assault. The events include a 5K walk/run, the “Raise the Bars Motorcycle Ride,” and the “Darkness to Light Ceremony.”
Drew said the intent of this month’s events is to emphasize and remind everyone that they all have a duty every day to make sure they are enforcing good order and discipline and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
“You have to make sure that you inculcate that culture in your sections, whether it’s here at HRC or when you move onto the Army,” Drew said. “This is a big deal, because [sexual violence] breaks down trust, teamwork and all those basic things that the Army really needs to be successful.”
Along with the proclamation signing, Drew recognized senior human resources specialist Sgt. 1st Class Linda Bates as HRC’s SHARP Victim Advocate of the Year.
The command has 42 victim advocates who provide survivors with the support needed throughout their healing process, as well as advocacy and education to survivors, their family members, Soldiers and DA civilians. Bates, who has been a victim advocate since 2017, said the recognition holds great meaning for her.
“As a victim advocate, I’ve talked with so many Soldiers who have been sexually assaulted and sexually harassed,” said Bates. “I understand the impact it has on that Soldier, male and female, so I’m just very passionate about the program.
“I believe whole heartedly that [sexual violence] should be eliminated from the Army because there’s no place for it here.”
Drew encouraged leaders to foster that same kind of commitment to eliminating sexual assault and harassment by every member of the HRC team.
“Talk to your folks about that, get some feedback from them, and then enforce good order and discipline and dignity and respect, every single day,” said Drew. “I want you to get this down to the lowest level, whether it’s the uniformed members, civilian employees or the contractors, we have one standard if you work in this building.”
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