Download SHARP Program Guidebook: US Army and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!
SHARP (SHARP Guidebook Version 1.1)
questions with correct answers
What does the Army's program SHARP stand for and why does it exist? - Answer Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program—it exists so that the Army can prevent incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault before they occur What is the SHARP's mission - Answer To promote an Army culture and command climate that ensures adherence to the Army Values and ensures that every Army team member will be treated with dignity and respect at all times and in all circumstances How did the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program come about? - Answer 1. Sexual harassment complaints and Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) training for military members were formerly managed by the Equal Opportunity Office
- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program was managed separately by the Army G-
- Sexual harassment and sexual assault have often been found to be interrelated and to exist along a continuum of sexual violence in which acts of sexual harassment, if unchecked, may lead to acts of sexual assault 4.Because of this link between sexual harassment and sexual assault, the POSH and the SAPR programs were integrated under the Army G-1 to form the SHARP program
- The SHARP program provides unity of effort for sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention efforts across the Army What is the Army's campaign to combat sexual assaults by engaging all Soldiers in preventing sexual assaults before they occur and having Soldiers participate in the
Army's culture to help prevent these sexual assaults or sexual harassments from occurring? - Answer Intervene, Act, and Motivate (I. A.M.) STRONG What is Sexual Harassment? - Answer 1. A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when— -Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person's job, pay, or career, or -Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by a person is used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person, or -Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment
- Any person in a supervisory or command position who condones any form of sexual behavior to control, influence, or affect the career, pay, or job of a Military member or civilian employee is engaging in sexual harassment
- Similarly, any Military member or civilian employee who makes deliberate or repeated unwelcome verbal comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature in the workplace is also engaging in sexual harassment What is Sexual Assault? - Answer The intentional sexual contact characterized by the use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent—the term includes a broad category of sexual offenses consisting of the following specific UCMJ offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts/offenses What is the Army's policy regarding Sexual harassment & Sexual assault and how does it affect mission readiness? - Answer 1. Acts of Sexual harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated
- Sexual assault is a criminal offense that has no place in the Army
- Ensure SHARP training is conducted in accordance with the most current Army policy
- Appoint same-gender sponsors for first-term Soldiers
- Include emphasis on sexual assault risks, prevention, and response at all holiday safety briefings
- Ensure that Soldiers convicted of sexual assault in foreign, civilian, or military courts are processed for administrative separation
- Continually assess the command climate through various methods (for example, focus groups, surveys, talking with Soldier What actions do SARCs and VAs take to assist in promoting a climate of dignity and respect? - Answer SARC:
- Ensure overall management of sexual assault prevention, training, and victim advocacy
- Ensure victims of sexual assault receive guidance and emotional support during administrative, medical, investigative, and legal procedures, and that victims understand the processes involved
- Assign a VA to assist victim immediately upon notification of an incident of sexual harassment or sexual assault VA:
- Establish contact with each victim who alleges that an act of sexual assault occurred, if the victim is receptive to such contact
- When assigned by the SARC, provide crisis intervention, referral, and ongoing non-clinical support to the sexual assault victim. In the case of multiple victims, each victim should have a VA (IVA or UVA)—the victim alone will decide whether to accept the offer of victim advocacy services
- Inform victims of the options to use service providers (for example, medical, legal, and chaplain) and resources available to victims What are three (3) Soldier responsibilities for the prevention of sexual harassment or sexual assault? - Answer 1. Soldiers (peers, subordinates, and supervisors) must never tolerate, condone, or ignore sexual harassment or sexual assault
- Every Soldier must have the personal courage to Intervene, Act, and Motivate others to take action when needed
- Every Soldier who is aware of a sexual assault should immediately (within 24 hours) report incidents What is a Reprisal? - Answer Taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action, withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action, or any other act of retaliation, against a military member for making or preparing a protected communication What is Quid Pro Quo? - Answer Conditions placed on an individual's career or terms of employment in return for favors What are five (5) options that Soldiers can use when dealing/confronted with Sexual harassment at the company-level? - Answer 1. Direct Approach: Confront the harasser and tell him or her that the behavior is inappropriate, violates Army values, is not welcomed, and must stop
- Indirect Approach: Send a letter to the harasser stating the facts, personal feelings about the inappropriate behavior, and expected resolution
- Third Party: Request assistance from another person—ask someone to talk to the harasser, accompany the victim, or intervene to resolve the conflict
- Chain of Command: Report the behavior to an immediate supervisor or others in the chain of command and ask for assistance in resolving the situation
The investigating officer is responsible for investigating formal sexual harassment complaints—what actions does the investigating officer perform? - Answer 1. Determines to the maximum extent possible what actually occurred
- Assesses the validity of allegations made by the complainant
- Advises the commander of any leadership or management concerns that might contribute to perceptions of sexual harassment, and recommends appropriate corrective actions Although Equal opportunity advisors (EOAs) are specifically trained to handle sexual harassment cases, complainants may contact a member of their unit chain of command or an alternative agency—what are some alternate agencies for additional assistance? - Answer 1. Chaplain: Serves as an advisor to the command on all religious matters and provides guidance on religious practices, family and marital counseling, and other secular or non-secular services
- Provost Marshal (PM)/Director of Emergency Services (DES): Responsible for receiving and investigating violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) which are criminal in nature. PM/DES will promptly refer all crimes or incidents falling within U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) investigative responsibility to the appropriate USACIDC element for investigation
- OSJA: Responsible to the commander on all legal matters—the Office of the Judge Staff Advocate (OSJA) serves as an advisor in litigating criminal charges and prosecuting Soldiers for criminal offenses and may receive complaints about sexual harassment
- Inspector General (IG): Responsible for monitoring and inspecting command functions that are essential to mission effectiveness and combat readiness—the IG's office is the principal organization for receiving and investigating complaints about command environment and leadership
- Medical Agency Personnel: Responsible for assisting or otherwise supporting healthcare providers in providing healthcare services—medical agency personnel also include all healthcare providers
An informal complaint is any complaint that an individual does not wish to file in writing—typically how may informal complaints be resolved? - Answer Directly by the complainant or with the help of another unit member, the company commander, or another individual in the complainant's chain of command— typically those issues that can be taken care of informally are resolved through discussion, problem identification, and clarification of the issue What are the four (4) general, overview steps taken when a Soldier (complainant) submits an Informal sexual harassment complaint? - Answer Step 1. Individual submits an informal complaint: Individuals who do not feel comfortable filing a complaint with their chain of command may contact an EOA or representative from any of the organizations below: -Someone in a higher echelon of the complainant's chain of command -Chaplain -Provost Marshal (PM) -SJA -IG -Medical agency personnel Step 2. Agency official receives the complaint: The agency official who receives the complaint will advise the complainant of his or her rights and responsibilities. The official will then listen to the complainant and find out as much information as possible concerning the complaint, including (if applicable) why the individual is using the alternative organization as opposed to his or her chain of command. Agency officials (with the exception of chaplains and lawyers) may not guarantee confidentiality Step 3. Agency official explains the complaint process: The agency official will explain to the complainant what role the organization has, for example, direct action on behalf of the complainant, information gathering, or referral to another organization or to the commander for his or her action. The agency official will also explain what support services are available from other organizations that may help resolve the issues. The agency official will explain the complaint system—
Step 2. Agency official receives complainant: The agency official who receives the complaint will advise the complainant of his or her rights and responsibilities. The official will then listen to the complainant and find out as much information as possible concerning the complaint, including (if applicable) why the individual is using the alternative organization as opposed to his or her chain of command. Agency officials (with the exception of chaplains and lawyers) may NOT guarantee confidentiality Step 3. Agency official explains the complaint process: The agency official will explain to the complainant what role the organization has, for example, direct action on behalf of the complainant, information gathering, or referral to another organization or to the commander for his or her action. The agency official will also explain what support services are available from other organizations that may help resolve the issues. The agency official will explain the complaint system, principally, the differences between informal and formal complaints, and what will be done with the individual's complaint Step 4. Complainant and agency official complete DA Form 7279: The complainant and the agency official will complete Part I of DA Form 7279, Equal Opportunity Complaint Form. This is a mandatory form to be completed by all organizations who receive a formal sexual harassment complaint. This form will document the formal complaint process from the initial report, through the investigation, to resolution, and appeals process (if applicable) Step 5. Agency official refers complainant to appropriate organization (if needed): Upon review of the initial details of the case, agency officials may refer the complainant to another agency or to the commander (if the agency official is not the commander) for his or her action. Agency officials have 3 calendar days to refer the complaint to the appropriate commander or organization Step 6. Commander is notified of formal complaint: Upon receipt of a complaint, the commander is required to identify and rectify the issue. Additionally, the
General Court- Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA), usually the first General Officer in the chain of command, must be notified within 3 calendar days Step 7. Commander initiates investigation: The commander may conduct an inquiry personally or immediately appoint an investigating officer according to the provisions of AR 15-6. The commander of any Soldier under investigation must flag that Soldier upon notification that the Soldier is under investigation in accordance with AR 600-8-2, para 2-2. Commanders have 14 calendar days to conduct an investigation or inquiry and provide written feedback to the complainant. If, due to extenuating circumstances, an inquiry or investigation cannot be completed in 14 calendar days, an extension of a maximum of 30 calendar days may be approved by the next higher echelon commander. Commanders must provide written feedback to the complainant every 14 calendar days until resolution of the complaint Step 8. Commander takes steps to protect complainant: The commander will establish and implement a plan to protect the complainant, any named witnesses, and the alleged offender from acts of reprisal. The plan will include, at a minimum, specified meetings and discussions with the complainant, alleged offender, named witnesses, selected members of the chain of command, and coworkers Step 9. Commander makes a decision based on investigative findings: The commander will submit the completed report of investigation to the SJA for a determination of legal sufficiency. After the legal review is complete and after the commander has determined that no additional investigation is required, the commander will decide what action to take on the complaint a substantiated sexual harassment complaint is a complaint that, after the completion of an inquiry or investigation, provides evidence to indicate that the complainant was more likely than not sexually harassed. Corrective action may be administrative or punitive. An Unsubstantiated complaint is one for which the preponderance of evidence (that is, the greater weight of evidence) does not support and verify that the alleged unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment occurred. In this situation, the commander should determine whether the allegations, though unsubstantiated, might be indicative of problems in the unit that require resolution through SHARP
investigation, the receiving organization or commander identifies criminal activity, the complaint will be immediately referred to the proper organization (PM or CID) for investigation. (AR 600-20, para D- 2.a.) Exception 2. IG office process: Complaints filed with the IG will be processed as Inspector General Action Requests (IGAR) in accordance with AR 20-1. No timelines will be imposed on the conduct of the investigation and/or on feedback to the complainant, and DA Form 7279 will not be maintained. IG investigations are confidential and protected from unauthorized disclosure. IG investigations include consultations with individuals or activities as deemed appropriate by the IG. Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged to the complainant and an estimated completion date provided. If the action is not completed by that date, the complainant will be notified and given a new estimated completion date. (AR 600- 20, para D-3) Exception 3. Promotable COLs and higher / IG / SES: If a complaint is filed against a promotable colonel, an active or retired general officer, IG of any component, members of the Senior Executive Service, or Executive Schedule personnel, the allegation will be transferred directly to the Investigations Division, U.S. Army Inspector General Agency, ATTN: SAIG-IN, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310-1700 by rapid but confidential means within 5 calendar days of receipt. (AR 600-20, para D-2.c.) Exception 4. Reserve Component (not noted) Exception 5. National Guard (not noted) Exception 6. DA Civilians: DA Civilians who encounter workplace harassment should report the incident through appropriate channels. Every leader must ensure that every reported incident is investigated immediately and thoroughly, with corrective action taken as appropriate. If desired, DA civilians may contact their servicing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office to file a complaint within
45 days after they first became aware of the harassment. AR 690-600, Equal Employment Opportunity Discrimination Complaints, contains procedures for complaints filed with the EEO office. (Memorandum, Secretary of the Army, 27 April 2011, subject: Army Anti-Harassment Policy for the Workplace) Sexual Assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does NOT or CANNOT consent—when is there Consent and No Consent? - Answer 1. Consent: Words or overt acts indicating a freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue by a competent person
- No Consent: -An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent
- Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the accused's use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent
- A current or previous dating relationship or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent -There is no consent where the person is sleeping or incapacitated, such as due to age, alcohol or drugs, or mental incapacity Depending on the victim's status, what three (3) choices does a victim of sexual assault have? - Answer 1. Submit an unrestricted report
- Submit a restricted report
- Not to report the incident What role does the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) play? - Answer
- The single point of contact within an organization or installation who oversees sexual assault awareness, prevention, and response training
- They will immediately notify the installation SARC of all incidents of sexual assault When will the chaplain provide pastoral and spiritual support, explain the availability of victim advocacy services, and refer the victim to qualified individuals or organizations? - Answer At the victim's request Who will take immediate steps to ensure the victim's physical safety, emotional security, and medical treatment needs are met and that the SARC and appropriate law enforcement/criminal investigative service are notified? - Answer The victim's unit commander What actions are taken from the alleged offender's commander? - Answer 1. Notify CID immediately after receiving a report of a sexual assault incident
- Determine the best course of action for separating the victim and alleged offender during the investigation
- Avoid questioning the alleged offender about the sexual assault allegation, since doing so may jeopardize the criminal investigation
- Safeguard the alleged offender's rights and preserve the integrity of a full and complete investigation, to include limitations on any formal or informal investigative interviews or inquiries by personnel other than those with a legitimate need-to-know
- Publicize the availability of medical treatment (to include behavioral health), and referral services for alleged offenders who are also active duty Service members
- Flag any individual being investigated—flags are not to be removed until after the determination of the final disposition of offenses, to include completion of any punishment, in accordance with AR 600-8-2, para 2-
- Suspend the Soldier's security clearance
Who will ensure all reports of sexual assault are immediately referred to CID for investigation and that evidence, including SAFE Kits, and DD Form 2911 are stored in accordance with DoDI 6495.02 and that notification procedures are followed prior to the destruction of evidence? - Answer The Installation Provost Marshal (PM) office What is a SAFE Kit? - Answer The medical and forensic examination of a sexual assault victim under circumstances and controlled procedures to ensure the physical examination process and the collection, handling, analysis, testing, and safekeeping of any bodily specimens and evidence meet the requirements necessary for use as evidence in criminal proceedings—the victim's SAFE Kit is treated as a confidential communication when conducted as part of a Restricted Report Who will investigate all incidents of sexual assault within its authority and notify the SARC and SJA of all sexual assaults? - Answer CID Who advises commanders on the investigation or disposition of sexual assault cases, and/or to prosecute or defend sexual assault cases? - Answer Judge Advocates (JAs) What is the purpose of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program? - Answer 1. To lessen the hardships suffered by a victim and/or witness of a crime investigated by military, the Army's Victim Witness Assistance Program is available to do all that is possible to assist a victim and/or witness of a crime
- The program is also designed to foster the full cooperation of a victim and/or witness while ensuring they are advised of and accorded all rights reserved to victims and witnesses What is an Unrestricted Report? - Answer A process that an individual covered by this policy uses to disclose, without requesting confidentiality or Restricted Reporting, that he or she is the victim of a sexual assault. Under these
- Only a SARC, SAPR VA, or healthcare personnel may receive a Restricted Report, previously referred to as Confidential Reporting What occurs when a victim of a sexual assault files a Restricted Report? - Answer
- The victim confidentially discloses and reports a sexual assault to a SARC, VA, HCP, or chaplain
- The installation commander will receive non-indentifying information indicating an alleged sexual assault occurred
- If the victim files a restricted report, he or she can change to an unrestricted report at any time
- The victim will have access to medical treatment, including emergency care, counseling, and assignment of a SARC and VA, without triggering an official investigation or prosecution of the alleged offender What results from when a victim chooses NOT to report a sexual assault? - Answer
- The victim may not receive the support or consideration made available to victims
- If no one else reports the incident, the chain of command, law enforcement, HCP, SARC, and VA may not know that a crime occurred and the alleged offender may not be investigated or prosecuted What are the 13 steps taken for the Unrestricted reporting process if a Soldier is sexually assaulted? - Answer Step 1. Ensure the victim's safety and seek emergency care—get the victim to a safe place away from the alleged offender. Call 911 or seek emergency care if the victim is in imminent danger Step 2. Preserve evidence—advise the victim to consider preserving all evidence of the assault. The victim should not bathe, wash his or her hands, eat, drink or brush teeth if he or she is going to seek medical attention and the completion of a SAFE Kit. The victim should consider not cleaning or straightening up the crime scene or washing any clothing he or she was wearing when the assault occurred
Step 3. Victim notifies SARC and/ or unrestricted reporting chain—the victim will notify the SARC and/or other members of the unrestricted reporting chain. If the SARC does not receive the initial report, the individual who does will notify the SARC. The victim may reach out to any of the following individuals or organizations (list not exhaustive): SARC, VA, HCP, civilian and military law enforcement, first-line supervisor, peer, commander, or chaplain. The victim can also contact his or her local 24/7 helpline or the DoD Safe Helpline for anonymous, confidential, secure assistance 24/7 worldwide. Contact an online counselor (in real time) at www.SafeHelpline.org. Upon notification of a sexual assault incident, the unit commander must immediately contact CID and should consult with SJA Step 4. Seek medical care for the victim—advise the victim to seek medical care as soon as possible to receive treatment for injuries, address the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, have a SAFE to preserve forensic evidence, and have a urine sample collected to determine if the victim was drugged Note: At the victim's request, the SARC, SACC or SACP will coordinate with the SAMFE to perform a SAFE, which may include the collection of evidence Note: If a forensically trained examiner is not available within 2 hours, the victim should be transported to the nearest available facility in order to receive the SAFE Step 5. SARC provides info—upon notification, the SARC will ensure the victim is aware of and understands the options to: (a) File a restricted or unrestricted report (b) Be assigned and speak confidentially with a VA
