Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program
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.
- 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:
- Army Resilience Directorate
- Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)
- Department of Defense Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Office
Related document:
Related STAND-TO!:
- Army Resilience
- U.S. Army SHARP: Prevention Framework
