FORT STEWART, Ga. - "It's important to report," said a Third Infantry Division female NCO Soldier. She will be referred to as Sgt. Doe, who wished to remain anonymous for the purpose of this interview. "If you would have asked me that question a year a half ago, my answer probably wouldn't be the same, but it is important."
The reporting Sgt. Doe spoke of is in reference to the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program. Designed to give Soldiers an opportunity to learn how to prevent sexual harassment, SHARP helps train Soldiers on how to respond to acts of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Sergeant Doe, a victim of sexual harassment, said her incident occurred with her first sergeant and she was afraid to report the incident at first, due to possible reprisal. Although Sgt. Doe did experience a period of retaliation through gossip, she said her reporting may have helped someone else come forward.
Consequently, this is exactly what the SHARP program was created for, to generate a climate where victims can report this crime without trepidation.
"The SHARP program is for Soldiers," said Lt. Col. Dana Thomas, 3rd ID Equal Opportunity Program manager. "They have reporting options."
One option to report an incident is restricted reporting. According to the SHARP web site, when a Soldier chooses this option, he/she can confidentially disclose the crime to specifically identified individuals such as a Unit Victim Advocate, an Installation Victim Advocate or by calling the SHARP hotline. Individuals are also eligible to receive medical treatment and counseling without triggering an official investigation, which allows personal space to consider viable options.
"[If] they don't want to get police involved or they don't want the command involved," said Lt. Col. Thomas, "They can still receive services like medical care, social work, etcetera, but it will not be investigated."
However, among many things, restricted reporting allows the assailant to remain unpunished, evidence may be lost and the incident may not be discussed with anyone else to include friends.
Another option is unrestricted reporting. When unrestricted reporting is elected, the victim should use the proper reporting channels such as their chain of command, law enforcement, UVA, IVA or health professional.
At the request of the victim, a health care professional shall conduct a sexual assault forensic examination to collect possible evidence. At the Division level, SHARP advocates will take on the role as the IVA. Third ID senior leaders strongly support the SHARP program and address this crime seriously.
"Once a month, we have a sexual assault review board that he [3rd ID Commanding General Maj. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams] chairs, or his designated representative would chair on his behalf," Lt. Col. Thomas said.
Sergeant 1st Class Travis May, SHARP Victim Advocate, said the program, which developed over the years helps to educate, act, intervene and motivate Soldiers to get victims to come forward. "The Army is ultimately trying to achieve elimination of sexual harassment and sexual assault itself," he said.
Although Sgt. Doe had regrets at first, she lamented on the solemn topic of reporting.
"I'm setting that foundation," she said, "I'm setting a trend to these Soldiers so that they know that it's okay, you can come forward. Justice will be served eventually, but they have to come forward or nothing is going to happen. It will continue to be an endless cycle of violated female Soldiers in the military."
"If there are victims of sexual assault in the ranks, we need to support him or her," said Lt. Col. Thomas. "We are our brothers and sisters keeper."
If you or someone you know has been sexually harassed or assaulted, you are strongly encouraged to call the confidential SHARP hotline at 912-271-9958 (Stewart) or 912-271-9878 (Hunter). Get the help you need. Help is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
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