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Workplace and Gender Relations Survey

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Provided by Army G-1

What is it?

The Workplace and Gender Relations Survey of Active Duty Members (WGRA) is a congressionally mandated survey conducted once every two years. It is an independent assessment of the rates of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the military.

The survey measures the frequency of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, gender discriminatory behaviors and sex discrimination experienced by service members during the past 12 months. The content of the survey largely aligns with the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Survey and will be conducted by the Defense Manpower Data Center as part of a biennial cycle of Health and Resilience surveys.

What has the Army done?

In response to the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Survey, Headquarters, Department of the Army has:

  • Developed training to assist Soldiers in identifying and preventing retaliation for reporting sexual harassment and sexual assault;
  • Implemented policy to prohibit retaliation and investigate all allegations; and
  • Pursued research on male experiences of sexual harassment and assault toward the development of prevention and response strategies that address the unique needs of military men.

Additionally, the Army has synchronized and expanded sexual harassment and sexual assault victim services with the opening of Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Resource Centers and approved additional skill identifiers for Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Victim Advocates.

The Army is currently assessing the level of effectiveness of sexual harassment, sexual assault and retaliation prevention measures at the command level.

What continued efforts are planned for the future?

Army leaders encourage Soldiers who are selected as part of a scientifically designed sample to complete the 2016 WGRA survey. The survey will field through 28 September. The results of this survey will be briefed to Army leadership, Department of Defense leadership and Congress. The final report will be released as part of the 2016 DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office Annual Report in spring 2017.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army is committed to taking care of its Soldiers and Army Civilians by working together to end sexual offenses in the Army, facilitating a more ready force. Results of this survey will provide Army leaders with the needed insights to effectively prevent and respond to sexual harassment and assault.

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