April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). This year's Army theme is "Prevention Starts With You." This theme builds on the concept of upholding what it means to be a member of the USASAC team. When it comes to sexual assault and sexual harassment, the only person responsible for committing the act is the perpetrator, but all members of the team have the ability to look out for each other's safety.
Leaders, Soldiers and Civilians, must work in unison to build comradery and trust amongst the ranks. This trust allows teams to focus on mission and unit readiness, eliminate harmful behaviors by preventing sexual harassment, sexual assault, and associated retaliation. The Sexual Harassment Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) program's mission is to provide response capability, victim advocacy, case management, and sexual assault awareness, prevention and response training to our Soldier, families and civilian workforce. I stand behind this program and its mission to broaden the focus of the response to include significant and sustained efforts directed to prevention, as well as support for victims and ways for holding perpetrators to account. Sexual assault is something no one should ever experience and preventing it remains one of my highest priorities. I encourage survivors to boldly come forward and make reports so that we can connect them with recovery care, provide aid, hold offenders accountable, and ensure atmosphere of dignity, respect, and inclusion.
I encourage you to contact the USASAC Sexual Assault Hotline 256.427-8763 or the DoD Safe Helpline (877) 995-5247 available 24/7.
BG Garrick M. Harmon, USA
Commanding General
U.S. Army Security Assistance Command
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