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Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program

Friday, April 9, 2021

What is it?

The Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program provides commanders with the tools to prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment, and associated retaliation in the Army. This program also ensures that the Army is able to provide professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care and support to victims if these incidents do occur.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

The SHARP Program Office directs the Army’s efforts in the prevention of and response to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and associated retaliatory behaviors.

The Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) in April provides an opportunity for the Army to highlight SHARP program refinements resulting from continuous assessments and improvement efforts. In alignment with this year’s SAAPM theme, Building Cohesive Teams through Character, Trust and Resilience.

The Army:

  • Encourages reporting, thoroughly investigates unrestricted reports of sexual assault and complaints of sexual harassment; holds offenders appropriately accountable.
  • Developed and implemented a Prevention Plan of Action to advance sexual assault primary prevention efforts within the Army.
  • Updated AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, to consolidate SHARP program policy changes.
  • Executed training on Expedited Transfer and Case Management processes and procedures for all SHARP Program Managers and Senior Commanders.
  • Built a new Army Resilience website that provides the most current SHARP program information and resources.
  • Developed new SHARP awareness materials for Army cadets, Soldiers, Family members, and Army Civilians.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army continues to implement initiatives designed to prevent sexual offenses and provide the utmost in victim care when these incidents do occur. The Army will:

  • Obtain a permanent exception to DOD policy to allow Army Civilians to obtain SHARP services to include the Unrestricted Reporting option and victim advocacy services.
  • Develop a standalone regulation that consolidates regulations, pamphlets into one source.
  • Publish a Secretary of the Army Directive that mandates SHARP training for Initial Entry Training//Permanent Duty Station (In-processing)
  • Align SHARP program managers with commanders at the ACOM, ASCC, DRU, and installation level, and better resource brigades and equivalent with SHARP personnel as appropriate.

Why is this important to the Army?

The U.S. Army is committed to eliminating sexual assault, sexual harassment, and associated retaliation. These offenses are detrimental to unit climate, the Army’s readiness, and its people.

Resources:

Related document:

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Events

April 2021

Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month | Visit Army Resilience Directorte

Month of the Military Child | Visit Army Quality of Life

Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust

April 5: Gold Star Spouse’s Day | Visit Gold Star Survivors

April 19: Best Ranger Competition | Visit U.S. Army Rangers

April 18-24: Army Volunteer Recognition Week | Visit Army Volunteer Corps

April 22: Earth Day | Visit U.S. Army Environmental Command

April 23: U.S. Army Reserve Birthday | Visit U.S. Army Reserve

May 2021

National Asian Pacific Heritage Month

May 7: Military Spouse Appreciation Day | Visit U.S. Army Quality of Life

May 9: Mother’s Day

May 10 - June 14: Army National Hiring Days

May 15: Armed Forces Day

May 31: Memorial Day

Focus Quote for the Day

I want to make sure that we have an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and everyone takes care of each other. We expect our leaders to do that and that’s what we’re going to do.

— Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James McConville