SHARP

Question 1

What is the purpose of SHARP?

Answer 1

The Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur.

Question 2

What is the Army’s campaign to combat sexual assaults by engaging all Soldiers in preventing sexual assaults before they occur?

Answer 2

Intervene, Act, and Motivate (I AM) Strong.

Question 3

What is the vision of the I AM Strong campaign?

Answer 3

The vision of the I AM Strong campaign is to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault by creating a culture where Soldiers believe that failure to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault is incompatible with Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Question 4

How is culture change possible in relation to SHARP?

Answer 4

Culture change is possible when leaders actively engage with their subordinates to ensure everyone is aware of their role in protecting themselves and their fellow soldiers from instances of sexual harassment and sexual assault and the attitudes and behaviors that may lead to such incidents.

Question 5

Who is responsible for the prevention of sexual harassment?

Answer 5

Every soldier and DA civilian is responsible for the prevention of sexual harassment.

Question 6

When should a soldier who is aware of a sexual assault report the incident?

Answer 6

A soldier who is aware of a sexual assault should report the incident immediately (within 24 hours)

Question 7

What are some verbal examples of sexual harassment?

Answer 7

+Making sexual jokes, gestures, remarks, or innuendos.
+Making comments about an individual’s appearance, body, clothing, or sexual behavior.
+Spreading sexual rumors about an individual.
+Persistent, unwanted requests for social (dates) or sexual activity.
+Participating in sexually charged conversations.

Question 8

What are some nonverbal examples of sexual harassment?

Answer 8

+Making and/or posting inappropriate sexual remarks to, or photos of, an individual via social media sites, text message, or email.
+Displaying pornographic material or sexual photos in the workplace.
+Making sexually offensive expression
+Conduct of a sexual nature intended to embarrass, intimidate, demean, or degrade.

Question 9

What are some physical examples of sexual harassment?

Answer 9

+Unwanted touching

+Intimidation (blocking or cornering someone in a sexual way).

Question 10

What are soldiers options for dealing with sexual harassment?

Answer 10

+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.
+File an informal or formal complain: Complaint filing procedures are outlined in AR 600-20

Question 11

What is an informal sexual harassment complaint?

Answer 11

An informal complaint that an individual does not wish to file in writing.

Question 12

How can informal sexual harassment complaints be resolved?

Answer 12

Informal complaints may be resolved 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 can be resolved through discussion, problem identification, and clarification of the issues.

Question 13

Is an informal sexual harassment complaint subject to a time suspense?

Answer 13

An informal complaint is not subject to a time suspense.

Question 14

What is a formal sexual harassment complaint?

Answer 14

A formal complaint is one that a complainant files in writing and swears to the accuracy of the information.

Question 15

How are formal sexual harassment complaints resolved?

Answer 15

Formal complaints require specific actions, are subject to timelines, and require documentation of the actions taken. The decision to file a formal complaint rests solely with the complainant; however, the complainant must file a formal complaint within 60 calendar days of the alleged incident.

Question 16

While the processing of sexual harassment complaints through the unit chain of command is strongly encouraged, it is not the only channel available to individuals to resolve complaints. Who else can soldiers contact?

Answer 16

Someone in a higher echelon of the complainant's chain of command:
Chaplain
Provost Marshal
JAG
IG
Medical agency personnel

Question 17

What is the definition of Sexual Assault?

Answer 17

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. 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, or attempts to commit these acts.

Question 18

Where are all unrestricted Sexual Assault reports referred?

Answer 18

All unrestricted reports must be referred to CID, regardless of severity, in accordance with DoDI 5505.18

Question 19

If a victim files an unrestricted Sexual Assault report, can they change it to a restricted report?

Answer 19

No. Once the victim files an unrestricted report, he or she cannot change to a restricted report.

Question 20

Can a victim decline to participate in an investigation or prosecution after filing an unrestricted report?

Answer 20

Yes. If at any time, a victim declines to participate in an investigation or prosecution, that decision should be honored by commanders, investigators, and all other personnel.

Question 21

If a victim files a restricted Sexual Assault report, what care will they have access to?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

If a victim files a restricted Sexual Assault report, what information will the installation commander receive about the case?

Answer 22

If the victim chooses to file a restricted report, the installation commander will receive non-identifying information indicating an alleged sexual assault occurred.

Question 23

If a victim does a restricted Sexual Assault report, can they change it to an unrestricted report?

Answer 23

Yes. If the victim files a restricted report, he or she can change to an unrestricted report at any time.