Sharp Army Meaning

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability.

This policy applies -- Both on and off post and during duty and non-duty hours. To working, living, and recreational environments (including both on and off-post housing).

1) Create a climate that minimizes sexual assault incidents, which impact Army personnel, Army civilians, and family members, and, if an incident should occur, ensure that victims and subjects are treated according to Army policy. 2) Create a climate that encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault without fear. 3) Establish sexual assault prevention training and awareness programs to educate Soldiers. 4) Ensure sensitive and comprehensive treatment to restore victims' health and well-being. 5) Ensure leaders understand their roles and responsibilities regarding response to sexual assault victims, thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual assault, and take appropriate administrative and disciplinary action.

Sexual assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Rape, Non consensual Sodomy (oral or anal sex), Indecent Assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), Attempts to commit these acts

Alcohol

The Commander's Responsibility

Victim: One who has been sexually assaulted. Alleged Perpetrator - One who has been accused of committing a crime (subject). Perpetrator - One who has committed a crime (offender).

Sexual assault is a criminal offense that has no place in the Army. It degrades mission readiness by devastating the Army's ability to work effectively as a team. Every Soldier who is aware of a sexual assault should immediately (within 24 hours) report incidents. Sexual assault is incompatible with Army values and is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other federal and local civilian laws. The Army will use training, education, and awareness to minimize sexual assault; to promote the sensitive handling of victims of sexual assault; to offer victim assistance and counseling; to hold those who commit sexual assault offenses accountable; to provide confidential avenues for reporting, and to reinforce a commitment to Army values. The Army will treat all victims of sexual assault with dignity, fairness, and respect. The Army will treat every reported sexual assault incident seriously by following proper guidelines. The information and circumstances of the allegations will be disclosed on a need-to-know basis only. This policy applies—Both on and off post and during duty and non-duty hours. To working, living, and recreational environments (including both on-and off-post housing).

Their chain of command. Medical Treatment Facility. Military Police/Criminal Investigation Division. Chaplains.Social Work Services. Family Advocacy. Legal Services.

The right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and a respect for privacy. The right to be protected from the accused offender. The right to be notified of court. The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the assault unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at trial, or for other good cause. The right to talk to the attorney for the Government in the case. The right to seek restitution, if appropriate. The right to information regarding conviction. sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender from custody.

Ensure that assigned personnel (to include RC personnel under their jurisdiction) are familiar with the Army policy on sexual harassment. Publish and post written command policy statements for the prevention of sexual harassment. Continually assess and be aware of the climate of command regarding sexual harassment. Identify problems or potential problems. Take prompt, decisive action to investigate all complaints of sexual harassment. Either resolve the problem at the lowest possible level or, if necessary, take formal disciplinary or administrative action. Do not allow Soldiers to be retaliated against for filing complaints. Continually monitor the unit and assess sexual harassment prevention policies and programs at all levels within area of responsibility. Ensure all leaders understand that if they witness or otherwise know of incidents of sexual harassment, they are obligated to act. If they do not, they themselves are also engaging in sexual harassment. Set the standard

Verbal - Examples of verbal sexual harassment may include telling sexual jokes; using sexually explicit profanity, threats, sexually oriented cadences, or sexual comments. Nonverbal - Examples of nonverbal sexual harassment may include staring at someone (that is, "undressing someone with one's eyes"), blowing kisses, winking, or licking one's lips in a suggestive manner. Physical Contact - Examples of physical sexual harassment may include touching, patting, pinching, bumping, grabbing, cornering, or blocking a passageway; kissing; and providing unsolicited back or neck rubs.

Soldiers and their dependent Family members who are 18 years and older.A Family member does not lose their right to file a restricted report if they are also a DA Civilian. The following nonmilitary individuals who experience sexual assault are only eligible for limited emergency medical care services at a MTF and to make an unrestricted report. All victims who contact SHARP professionals for assistance, regardless of their military status, will be given all necessary assistance, support, and access to resources permitted by law and policy. This policy does not apply to victims of sexual assault perpetrated by a spouse or Family members under the age of 18 who are sexually assaulted. The Family Advocacy Program, as described in DoDM 6400.01 Volumes 1-4 and AR 608-18, provides the full range of services to those individuals. When sexual assault or sexual harassment occurs as a result of domestic abuse or involves child abuse, SHARP professionals will refer the victim to the Family Advocacy Program.

SARCs will be an NCO (SFC or higher) or DA Civilian (general schedule (GS)-11 or higher).

Ensure all unrestricted reports of sexual assault, documented with a signed DD Form 2910 (Victim Reporting Preference Statement) are reported to USACIDC immediately. The SARC will also inform the SC and the first LTC/O- 5 in the victim's chain of command of an unrestricted report within 24 hours of receipt.Enter information into DSAID within 48 hours of the report of sexual assault. In deployed locations that have internet connectivity issues, the time frame is extended to 96 hours.

If the victim requests SHARP services from the SARC or SHARP VA after their SHARP case has been closed, the case is reopened and addressed at the SARB.

Ensure that no SHARP case is converted from restricted to unrestricted without signed permission from the victim.

Commanders who receive or become aware of a formal or informal complaint of sexual harassment will initiate a commander's inquiry or AR 15 - 6 investigation. If the complaint of sexual harassment describes a sex-based offense punishable under the UCMJ, the commander will refer the complaint to USACIDC for investigation immediately.

Commanders who become aware of reported or suspected sexual assault, including reports from a third party, will immediately contact the SARC and USACIDC. Commanders will not initiate any AR 15 - 6 investigation into reports of sexual assault and will contact their servicing legal office for consultation if it is unclear whether a reported act is sexual harassment or sexual assault.

(1) Quid pro quo. "Quid pro quo" is a Latin term meaning "this for that." This term refers to conditions placed on a person's career or terms of employment in return for favors. Examples include demanding sexual favors in exchange for a promotion, award, or favorable assignment. An example would be a Soldier who is not recommended for promotion and who believes that his or her squad leader recommended another Soldier in his or her squad for promotion on the basis of provided or promised sexual favors, not upon merit or ability. (2) Hostile environment. A hostile environment, to include the work environment, can occur when Soldiers or DA Civilians are subjected to offensive, unwanted and unsolicited comments, or conduct of a sexual nature.

(1) Anonymous complaints, made from an unknown or unidentified source, when referred to the subject's BDE commander for evaluation, and entered into ICRS. (2) Informally, when the complainant and/or the full-time brigade SARC address resolution at the lowest level with documentation in ICRS and on a locally-filed memorandum of record. (3) Formally, when the BDE commander initiates an investigation, disposition and resolution are addressed at the command level, and complaint processing is documented in ICRS.

An informal complaint is not subject to regulatory timeliness standards, but should be resolved within 14 calendar days of the complaint receipt. Within 14 days of being informed of the resolution, the complainant will accept informal resolution actions, submit a formal complaint, or decline to pursue the complaint further.

Soldiers are encouraged to file formal complaints within 60 calendar days from the date of the aggrieving behavior. This will facilitate the investigation and resolution of these complaints.

72 hours and will forward the complaint to the first commander in the chain of command with GCMCA within 72 hours of receipt.

Unrestricted and Restricted

This reporting option triggers an investigation, command notification, and allows a person who reports sexual assault to access healthcare treatment and the assignment of a SARC and a SHARP VA or VR. When a sexual assault is reported through unrestricted reporting, a SARC will be notified and respond or direct a SHARP VA or VR to respond, offer the victim emergency healthcare and an optional forensic exam, explain the contents of the DD Form 2910, and request that the victim elect a reporting option on the form. If the victim elects the unrestricted reporting option, a victim may not change from an unrestricted to a restricted report once it is reported to USACIDC.

This reporting option does not trigger an investigation. The SC is notified a sexual assault has been reported, but is not given the victim's name or other PII. Restricted reporting allows Soldiers and Family members age 18 and older who are sexual assault victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals (SARC, SHARP VA, or VR,) and receive healthcare treatment and the assignment of a SARC and SHARP VA or VR offer the victim healthcare treatment and a sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE), and explain to the victim the resources available through the DD Form 2910, where the reporting option is elected. The restricted reporting option is only available to Soldiers and Family members aged 18 and older. DA Civilians wishing to file a restricted report should consult with a SARC, SHARP VA, or SHARP VR. If a victim elects this reporting option, a victim may convert a restricted report to an unrestricted report at any time. The conversion to an unrestricted report will be documented with a signature by the victim and the signature of the SARC or SHARP VA or VR in the appropriate block on the DD Form 2910.

If the victim tells someone outside of the restricted reporting chain (for example, a friend, Family member, roommate, or others), then they can still elect to submit a restricted report; however, if the person to whom the victim confided the information is in the victim's chain of command or military law enforcement, the report cannot be restricted.

Communication with the SARC, VA, or healthcare provider is privileged and confidential except in specific circumstances. While a chaplain cannot take a restricted report, communication with a chaplain are honored under the Military Rules of Evidence 503 or applicable statutes and regulations when they are made confidentially and as a formal act of religion or as a matter of conscience. Chaplains may not disclose a confidential or privileged communication revealed in the practice of their ministry without the individual's informed consent.

The healthcare provider will conduct a sexual assault forensic examination to preserve forensic evidence in case you decide later that you want to file an unrestricted report of sexual assault which may lead to prosecution.

If a Soldier suspects they have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected. Preserve all evidence of the assault. Even if they feel an intense need to clean themselves, do not bathe, wash your hands, eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Do not clean or straighten up the crime scene. You may not be thinking clearly due to the trauma, so taking these steps at the outset will help preserve evidence that investigators or law enforcement personnel may need to collect in the event that you file an unrestricted report.

DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247

A formal complaint is one that a complainant files in writing and swears to the accuracy of the information. Formal complaints require specific actions, are subject to timelines, and require documentation of the actions taken.

An individual files a formal complaint using a DA Form 7279 (Equal Opportunity Complaint Form).

The complainant will specify the alleged concern, provide the names of the parties involved and witnesses, describe the incident(s)/behavior(s), and indicate the date(s) of the occurrence(s). Complainant will be advised of the importance of describing the incident(s) in as much detail as possible to assist in the investigative process.

Soldiers have 60 calendar days from the date of the alleged incident in which to file a formal complaint. This time limit is established to set reasonable parameters for the inquiry or investigation and resolution of complaints, to include ensuring the availability of witnesses, accurate recollection of events, and timely remedial action.

If a complaint is received after 60 calendar days, the commander may conduct an investigation into the allegations or appoint an investigating officer according to paragraph 5. In deciding whether to conduct an investigation, the commander should consider the reason for the delay, the availability of witnesses, and whether a full and fair inquiry or investigation can be conducted.

All Soldiers and Civilians have a responsibility to help resolve acts of sexual harassment. Examples of how to accomplish this follows: A. Direct approach. Confront the harasser and tell them that the behavior is not appreciated, not welcomed and that it must stop. Stay focused on the behavior and its impact. Use common courtesy. Write down thoughts before approaching the individual involved. B. Indirect approach. Send a letter to the harasser stating the facts, personal feelings about the inappropriate behavior and expected resolution. C. Third party. Request assistance from another person. Ask someone else to talk to the harasser, to accompany the victim, or to intervene on behalf of the victim to resolve the conflict. D. Chain of command. Report the behavior to immediate supervisor or others in chain of command and ask for assistance in resolving the situation. E. Filing a formal complaint. Details for filing an informal or formal complaint are included in appendix C of Army Regulation 600-20 (Army Command Policy) and follow the same procedures as for an Equal Opportunity complaint.

When sexual harassment or sexual assault occurs, it is not only a direct violation of our Army Core Values and Warrior Ethos, but also an assault on what it means to serve in the Profession of Arms and the Army way of life - a life in which it is our duty to protect and take care of each other no matter the time, place or circumstance. As a band of brothers and sisters, we have a personal and professional duty to intervene and prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Considerations When Electing a Restricted Report • You receive appropriate medical treatment, advocacy, legal assistance, and counseling. • It provides some personal space and time to consider your options and to begin the healing process. • It empowers you to seek relevant information and support to make informed decisions about whether you want to participate in a criminal investigation. • You control the release and management of your personal information. •You decide whether and when to move forward with initiating an investigation. • It can establish a record important for future potential Veteran benefits and treatment.

Limitations are: • Your assailant remains unpunished. • You cannot receive a military protective order. • You may continue to have contact with your assailant, if he/she is in your organization or billeted with you. Evidence from the crime scene where the assault occurred may be lost, and the official investigation, should you switch to an unrestricted report, will likely encounter significant obstacles. • You will not be able to discuss the assault with anyone in your chain of command without imposing an obligation on them to report the incident, and some commands have requirements that impose this duty on all Soldiers, to include your friends. The only exceptions would be chaplains, designated healthcare providers, your assigned SHARP/VA Specialist, and the SARC/SHARP Specialist. • You will be ineligible to invoke the collateral misconduct provision of DoD's sexual assault policy in the event that your command learns that you had been engaged in some form of misconduct at the time you were assaulted. • You are not eligible for a potential expedited transfer.

Battalion level and below SARCs, VAs and VR (collateral duty Civilian) and Program Managers will attend the SHARP Foundation Course [previously known as, the SHARP 80-Hour Certification Course] in order to meet the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) certification criteria. Military personnel will receive the 1B Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) after a cleared background check and upon completion of the SHARP Foundation Course. Collateral duty and part-time SHARP candidates should coordinate with their Brigade-level SARC/VA, Command SHARP Trainer or SHARP Program Manager to register for the SHARP Foundation Course.

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator/Victim Advocate (SARC/VA) Career Course [previously known as the SHARP Baseline Certification Course (7-Week)] is held at the SHARP Academy, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for individuals who are filling authorized Program Manager positions and fulltime SARC and VA positions at Brigade level or higher. The SARC/VA Career Course is a seven-week course designed to meet DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office's Core Competencies and D-SAACP Certification in order to prepare individuals to effectively respond to sexual harassment complaints and victims of sexual assault. Military personnel serving as full-time SARC/VA will receive the 1H ASI upon completion of the SARC/VA Career Course.

The SHARP Trainer Course incorporates the seven-week SARC/VA Career Course with an additional five weeks of focused instructor training. The five week SHARP Trainer course consist of two weeks of the Common Faculty Development Program Instructor Course and three weeks of SHARP Foundation curriculum overview with a focus on preparation and presentations of SHARP lessons. SHARP Trainers will serve as Instructors/Facilitators of the SHARP Foundation course, assist Commands with executing their SHARP Annual Unit Refresher Training, and present SHARP Senior Leader Briefs (SLBs) as required/needed. SHARP Trainers must receive D-SAACP certification

The Army pioneered within DoD the use of Special Victims Units who are specially trained to deal with sexual assault cases. The Army offers a 80-hour course for all sexual assault investigators. This training occurs at the United States Army Military Police School (USAMPS) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Course instruction includes advanced techniques in crime scene processing, trauma informed interview techniques, legal aspects of sexual assault investigations and updated and related topics concerning sexual assaults. This training has been recognized by the DoD as a best practice, and it has been expanded to train all Services' sexual assault investigators and attorneys.