Through Education and Communication, we can Mitigate Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is a problem throughout the Army that needs to be addressed with additional resources to improve unit cohesion, capabilities and training. Knowing the elements of SHARP will ultimately reduce sexual harassment and sexual assault to improve the command climate. “The Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault through awareness and prevention, training, victim advocacy, reporting, and accountability” (G-1, 2011). With the use of a First Sergeant (1SG) Open Door Policy, SHARP Anonymity Box or the SHARP Quick Reference Trifold we can provide a safe environment to foster awareness of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
1SG Open Door Policy
As leadership, we must ensure a good command climate is achieved by using an Open Door Policy. This Policy will be posted on the bulletin board so that it is visible for all to read. This assures every Soldier in the unit knows that they can reach the 1SG on any SHARP related issues at any time throughout the month. The 1SG, Commander (CDR), or unit SHARP representative will be available during Inactive Duty for Training (IDT) weekends and Annual Training (AT) to listen and discuss any matters related to SHARP issues face to face. These preliminary discussions will act as a guideline in identifying the need for formal or informal complaint procedures. The 1SG will be the primary individual to speak with the Soldier reporting issues involving sexual harassment however, the alternate point of contact’s (POC’s) will be the CDR and the unit SHARP representative. All Soldiers in the unit will have the cell phone number of the 1SG, CDR and the unit SHARP representative enabling a 24/7 support line.
It is important that an open door policy exists within the command structure. “Soldiers are responsible to ensure that the commander is made aware of problems that affect discipline, morale, and mission effectiveness; and an open-door policy allows members of the command to present facts, concerns, and problems of a personal or professional nature” (Department of the Army, 2014, p. 6). Soldiers that don’t have the confidence to speak directly to their first-line supervisor, chain of command or the 1SG they would have the option to use the SHARP Anonymity Box.
SHARP Anonymity Box
My vision of an anonymity box is to help address any SHARP related issues. It will use the indirect approach to help eliminate any conflict between victims and accusers before it is escalated. “When conflict begins, it often leads to angry voices, name calling, and offensive jibes that increase the conflict” (Valente, 2007 p.264). The anonymity box will be locked and access will only be granted to the 1SG, Company Commander and the Unit SHARP representative. The anonymity box will be mounted to the wall just inside the double doors of the armory office area where it will be accessible to anyone in the unit. SHARP anonymity forms can be obtained next to the box to input applicable information pertaining to the issue. These forms will have lines identified for information regarding each of the following: nature of the issue, timeframe, does the victim feel safe or in harm’s way and contact information of unit SHARP representatives.
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The anonymity box will be checked daily for any complaints or concerns. This form will be reviewed by the 1SG, CDR and Unit SHARP representative. After review, a determination will be made on how the issue will be handled. One way would be to address the unit as a whole during formation time without directly identifying the source of information. It will give Soldiers the ability to have an issue addressed without the concern of knowing who brought it to the attention of the Chain of Command. If after reviewing the form it has been established that the seriousness of the issue warrants an investigation, unit SHARP representatives will attempt to identify the Soldier and take appropriate actions. An additional tool that will be made available to Soldiers at my unit will be a SHARP Quick Reference Trifold.
SHARP Quick Reference Trifold
A quick reference trifold will help all Soldiers in a unit to be conscious of their actions at all times when it pertains to sexual harassment and sexual assault of fellow Soldiers. The concept of the Trifold is to read it, know it and utilize it as a tool to educate Soldiers. The Trifold will include the 1SG’s contact information with cell phone number and email. The alternate POC’s will be the CDR and the Unit SHARP representative. The trifold will be periodically used as the Soldier’s knowledge assessment tool during formations.
It will list SHARP related websites, contact phone numbers, forms for the victim and other support organizations pertaining to SHARP related issues. The trifold will include information on how to identify sexual harassment and sexual assault, mitigation techniques and different way to address any of these issues. It will ensure that Soldiers are in compliance at all times in regards to sexual harassment. Situations such as social events and gatherings where alcohol is involved it can help Soldiers understand the importance of how to identify sexual harassment and take appropriate actions.
This trifold can be used 24/7 as support for the Soldiers to address SHARP issues. The 1SG will be available at any time to be contacted for SHARP related issues. This trifold will become a mandatory inspectable item for Soldiers to carry with them at all times. Employing a SHARP quick reference trifold will contribute to the success of building a strong social network within the unit. This will work effectively in conjunction with the SHARP Guidebook since the trifold will be a condensed reference of the essential information related to sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Conclusion
With the use of a First Sergeant (1SG) Open Door Policy, SHARP Anonymity Box or the SHARP Quick Reference Trifold we can provide a safe environment to foster awareness of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The 1SG Open door policy provides the Soldier with a direct line of communication through face to face support to address SHARP related issues. The SHARP anonymity box assures the privacy of the victim while the unit SHARP personnel review and address the concerns. The quick reference trifold educates the Soldier to identify and mitigate SHARP associated concerns. Every piece of SHARP related information will enable Soldiers to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault, effectively strengthen and increase unit cohesion and command climate. Ultimately through combining SHARP education and communication, we diminish sexual harassment and sexual assault within the unit.
References
- Department of the Army. (2014). Army Command Policy (AR 600-20). Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/r600_20.pdf
- G-1. (2011, March 28). Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/article/53957/sexual_harassmentassault_response_and_prevention_program
- Valente, S., Wight, C. (2007). Military sexual trauma: violence and sexual abuse. Military Medicine, Vol# 172 (Issue# 3), p 264. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED.172.3.259
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