MED CDID committed to eliminating sexual assault

By Tom Wetherington, Medical Capability Integration DirectorateApril 17, 2023

MED CDID committed to eliminating sexual assault
Sgt. Maj. Stephen Robbins, (left) Medical Capabilities Development Integration Directorate sergeant major and Col. James Jones, (right) director of the Medical Capabilities Development Integration Directorate, sign the SHARP proclamation on April 11, 2023 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
In support and commitment to the Department of Defense assurance to fostering a culture that prevents sexual assault, and SAAPM serves as a reminder to all service members that eliminating sexual assault requires their personal commitment. By signing the SHARP proclamation, Jones and Robbins demonstrate their dedication to creating an environment where every individual feels safe and respected. (Photo Credit: Courtesy)
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — In a show of solidarity and commitment to eliminating sexual assault in the military, Col. James Jones, director of the Medical Capability Development Integration Directorate, and Sgt. Maj. Stephen Robbins, Medical Capability Development Integration Directorate sergeant major, signed a proclamation on April 11.

The signing took place in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), observed every April by both civilian and military communities.

In support and commitment to the Department of Defense assurance to fostering a culture that prevents sexual assault, and SAAPM serves as a reminder to all service members that eliminating sexual assault requires their personal commitment. By signing the SHARP proclamation, Jones and Robbins demonstrate their dedication to creating an environment where every individual feels safe and respected.

The proclamation demonstrates that leaders and soldiers must work in unison to build comradery and trust in the ranks.

The SHARP program is integral to the military's effort to combat sexual assault, providing resources and support to those affected and emphasizing prevention through education and training. Localizing SAAPM activities within the military community is crucial to spreading this message and ensuring that everyone understands their role in preventing sexual assault.

In addition to the proclamation signing, various activities and events are planned throughout the month to raise awareness and promote prevention. These events may include workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to foster an open dialogue about sexual assault and harassment within the military.

"We must remain vigilant in our efforts to eradicate sexual assault from our ranks," Jones emphasized. "The signing of this proclamation is just one step toward that goal. It is our responsibility as leaders to create a culture of respect, accountability, and support for all our service members."

The Army’s focus is ensuring healthy climates and creating a culture focused on prevention that stops sexual harassment and sexual assault before it occurs. This will be accomplished by understanding and targeting the underlying Army cultural issues that have contributed to the high rates of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Robbins echoed these sentiments, adding, "We are dedicated to ensuring that every member of our military community feels safe, valued, and respected. Sexual assault has no place in our ranks, and we will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate it."

The SHARP proclamation signing serves as a powerful reminder that sexual assault prevention is a shared responsibility, and every individual within the military community has a role to play. By working together and maintaining a culture of respect, accountability, and support, the DoD aims to create an environment where sexual assault is a thing of the past.