Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program

By G-1 for STAND-TO!March 28, 2011

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program

What is it'

The SHARP Program is a comprehensive integration and transformation of the Army's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program and Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) efforts. The SHARP Program reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault through awareness and prevention, training, victim advocacy, reporting, and accountability.

What has the Army done'

Aca,!Ac On February 6, 2004, the Acting Secretary of the Army established a task force to review Army policies on reporting and addressing allegations of sexual assault. The task force findings led to the development of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program which included a new victim advocacy component and a coordinated sexual assault response effort.

Aca,!Ac With sexual harassment being determined as a potential precursor to sexual assault, the Secretary of the Army directed the Army SAPR office to restructure and integrate POSH, forming the Army's SHARP Program Office.

Aca,!Ac In September 2008, the Army launched Phase I of a sexual assault prevention strategy at the first annual SHARP Summit. Phase I, "Committed Army Leadership", was the first of four integrated phases. Phase II, "Army-wide Conviction" began during third Summit held in April 2010.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

Aca,!Ac The 4th Annual "I. A.M. Strong" Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention Summit (March 28 -April 1) will launch Phase III of the "I. A.M. Strong" campaign, "Achieving Cultural Change". The summit brings together Soldiers, leaders and subject matter experts to educate, train and communicate new ways of addressing prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Aca,!Ac In April, the Army will observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Soldiers, civilians, and family members are encouraged to re-dedicate their efforts toward preventing sexual assault and creating a positive climate enhanced through the "I. A.M. Strong" campaign.

Aca,!Ac Throughout 2011 and 2012, the Army will continue several training initiatives including Mobile Training Teams to train more than 24,000 command selected unit SHARP personnel. Additionally, TRADOC and the SHARP Program are collaborating to upgrade and integrate POSH and SAPR training in all Professional Military Education and Civilian Education System courses.

Why is this important to the Army'

Achieving cultural change to stop sexual harassment/assault will enhance military readiness, productivity and unit cohesion. The annual summit is an effective venue to reinforce SHARP training and share prevention strategies, messages and ideas.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.preventsexualassault.army.mil" target="_blank">SHARP website</a>

<a href="http://www.preventsexualassault.army.mil/asaprrt-summit/login.cfm"target="_blank"> I. A.M. Strong" Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention Summit </a>

Related article: <a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2011/03/29/53956-sharp-opens-third-phase-of-i-am-strong-campaign/index.html"target="_blank">SHARP opens third phase of I. A.M. Strong campaign</a>