FORT BRAGG, N.C. – At Fort Bragg, a conversation is unfolding—one that demands attention, empathy and action. April marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to amplify the voices of survivors, confront the realities of sexual violence, and ensure that every Soldier and civilian knows they are not alone.
In a candid discussion with Fort Bragg’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention team leaders and advocates, the urgency of this mission was undeniable.
Sexual assault within the military is an issue that can compromise everything—unit cohesion, operational readiness and trust. It is also more than just an issue or statistic within the ranks—it’s a crisis that affects lives, careers and mental well-being. And yet, too often, victims suffer in silence, unsure of where to turn or if they will be heard.
But here, at the world’s largest military installation, a team of dedicated professionals are working tirelessly to change that.
“If something happens to you, you are not alone,” Maureen Lawrence, Interim Lead Supervisory Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Supervisory SARC at the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg SHARP, said. “We are trained, and we care. We will find a way to help you through the process. You do not have to do it alone.”
For many survivors, coming forward is the hardest step. The weight of fear, shame and uncertainty can be paralyzing. But at Fort Bragg, there is a network ready to ease those feelings and help.
Confidential resources such as the SHARP hotline, victim advocates and behavioral health professionals ensure that no one has to navigate this journey alone. Whether a victim chooses to file a formal report or simply seeks emotional support, there are avenues designed to respect their privacy and empower their recovery.
“Sometimes, people are afraid no one will believe them if they file a report,” Lawrence said. “Or, they fear the fallout in their unit, especially if people take sides. It’s very challenging for clients to come forward in these tight-knit environments.”
That is why prevention is key. Over time, the Army’s approach to sexual assault prevention has evolved, becoming increasingly proactive, survivor-centric and transparent. The shift from reactive responses to proactive prevention is at the heart of these changes. Fort Bragg’s approach focuses on prevention-first strategies, integrating training, research and education throughout a Soldier’s career, from his or her initial entry to leadership development over time.
“We are working cohesively with other programs to reduce high-risk behaviors across the board,” Katrina Kilmartin-Baucom, Prevention Specialist at the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg SHARP, said. “Primary prevention and looking at data are becoming a bigger piece and more significant part of this program.”
At the core of these efforts is leadership accountability. The Army now holds leaders to a higher standard, expecting them to take an active role in not only preventing sexual violence but also in addressing it when it occurs. Leaders at all levels are equipped with the training to tackle the problem head-on, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Fort Bragg’s commitment to supporting survivors extends beyond just one month each year. The SHARP Program, along with organizations like the DoD Safe Helpline and Military OneSource, provides 24/7 support to service members who have experienced sexual assault.
Fort Bragg offers a range of medical and mental health services for survivors, including Sexual Assault Forensic Exams and behavioral health services. Chaplain services are also available for those seeking confidential spiritual guidance, providing another layer of emotional support for survivors.
“We are privileged to have all the resources in-house,” Miguel Guzmanescolastico, Supervisory SARC at the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg SHARP, said. “But, if someone wants to go off-post, we’ll make sure they get the support they need. It’s all about making them feel safe.”
Cultural change doesn't happen overnight. It requires active engagement and leadership support at every level. Mandatory training alone is not enough to shift the culture. Real, sustainable change requires leaders to foster an environment where respect, consent and accountability are heavily ingrained in every Soldier’s mindset.
Fort Bragg has introduced several interactive approaches such as challenge rooms, which allow Soldiers to learn and engage in a hands-on way. These creative approaches make training more effective in teaching critical skills like bystander intervention.
Bystander intervention is one of the most powerful ways to prevent sexual assault. Fort Bragg encourages soldiers to be vigilant and intervene when they witness inappropriate behavior. Soldiers are equipped with the practical tools to address these situations by using the 5 Ds of bystander intervention—Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay and Document.
“We train people to first recognize that something is a problem,” Guzmanescolastico said. “Once they do, they’re better equipped to intervene.”
Overcoming internal barriers like fear of retaliation, hesitancy and uncertainty is essential. Soldiers are encouraged to trust their instincts and act immediately, knowing that there are protections in place to safeguard their rights.
“Military culture has unique risk factors,” Kilmartin-Baucom said. “The barracks, constant relocation and rigid rank structures can increase vulnerability and fear of reprisal.”
Despite progress, challenges remain. Power dynamics continue to make it difficult for service members to report misconduct. The hierarchical structure of the military, while essential for order and readiness, can discourage lower-ranking personnel from speaking out, especially if the alleged perpetrator holds a position of power. This goes hand in hand with the stigma surrounding victims who fear being blamed or ostracized for coming forward. Victims—you are NEVER to blame. Remember that.
“Our job is to care for the victim,” Guzmanescolastico said. “They joined to serve, not to be victimized. Our goal is to help them heal and continue being Soldiers.”
This effort is not just the responsibility of commanders or the SHARP program—it requires all service members to speak out, support one another and take action. It requires us to hold difficult conversations. It requires us to hold perpetrators accountable. It requires us to dismantle the stigma that keeps survivors silent and afraid.
And while Fort Bragg’s initiatives are a step forward, true progress can only be achieved when every voice contributes. Breaking the silence starts with us.
“Soldiers have badges and patches showing where they've been, what they’ve done and what they’ve earned,” Lawrence said. “However, they do not have labels when it comes to what they’ve been through. This just shows how important it is to treat everyone with respect. You never know if someone is a victim.”
At Fort Bragg, the message is clear: This is NOT just a military issue. This is a HUMAN issue. And it will take ALL of us—leaders, peers, friends—to drive change.
To those who have suffered in silence: We see you. We stand with you. You are not alone.
If you or someone you know needs support, call the Fort Bragg SHARP 24/7 Hotline at (910) 584 4267 or call the DoD Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5247. Help is here.
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