Introduction
Interpersonal relationships turn out to be a core of a strong and progressive society, and the task of the government is to make sure people are aware of appropriate norms and standards. Military services are obligatory for the majority of American citizens. To predict misbehaviors and misunderstandings between soldiers and their leaders, multiple programs, protocols, and other agreements are developed. The integration of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program is one of the recent activities supported by the US government to eliminate sexual harassment and assault by training, reporting, and prevention. In this paper, army values, respect, dignity, impact, reporting, and the ways to minimize risks of sexually related crimes will be evaluated through the prism of the SHARP Program in the US Army.
The SHARP Program
In the US military, concerns about sexual assault and harassment introduce serious public health and social problem. The prevalence rate of sexually related misbehaviors in the army varies from 4-7% among women and 1-2% among men (Orchowski, Berry-Cabán, Prisock, Borsari, & Kazemi, 2018). However, actual consequences remain poorly investigated, which makes the integration of the SHARP Program reasonable and expected. The goal of SHARP is to create an environment of respect and dignity and eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment (Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2019). In addition to a common goal, the supporters of this program work to reduce reporting stigma and protect potential victims. SHARP “permeates the Army structure”, meaning that it equally touches upon Pentagon challenges, as well as individual fears of soldiers (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention, n.d.b, para. 3). The Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (n.d.a) develops Intervene, Act and Motivate (I.A.M) STRONG campaign to engage military people in predicting and avoiding sexual assault and understanding the concepts of trust and respect. Its integration includes the necessity to recognize a soldier as a member of a community bound by specific values.
Army Values
The creation of the US Army is based on several strong values that have to be recognized and understood by all the society members. Much attention is paid to such aspects as loyalty, respect, honor, and integrity. Although sexual harassment and assault may be detected in military people’s behaviors, they are never consistent with Army values (Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2019). The integration of the SHARP Program includes the discussion and explanation of military rules and expectations, so that unit cohesion and productivity can be observed. In addition, training, prevention strategies, innovative ideas, and fair messages have to be shared in the military.
Dignity and Respect Environment
Another critical aspect of the SHARP Program implementation is understanding dignity and respect. These two issues are not just the avoidance of discrimination in the US Army. Soldiers and their leaders have to be ready to take action and create an environment where mutual respect and protection are promoted (Orchowski et al., 2018). Respect is characterized by high morale and commitment to what should be done. Dignity, in its turn, must be cherished and demonstrated in everyday activities. Following the rules of respect and dignity, soldiers become able to intervene in sexual harassment and protect each other (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention, n.d.b). Human relationships are complex and influence the way of how American culture and traditions are accepted at the global level.
Impact and Reporting
The elimination of sexual crimes and misbehaviors is based on training and education about the power of impact and reporting. According to the Army policies, reporting should be confidential (Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2019). The SHARP Program is one of the practices where reporting procedures are possible. If the lack of respect is observed, a military service member or a dependent family member is free to address local organizations (the Equal Opportunity Office or the Inspector General Office) (Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2019). Unfair treatment, racial or gender judgments, or threats concerning sexual orientation can be the reasons for addressing professional help and support.
Risk Minimization
Finally, the idea to integrate the US Army SHARP Program means the development of ways with the help of which the minimization of the risks of sexual harassment and sexual assault is possible. First of all, it is necessary to know and identify personal sexual intentions and allowed limits. Secondly, an understanding of sexual violence cannot be ignored because people need to know when it actually happens and is defined as a crime (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention, n.d.a). Sexual violence or assault is identified as a sexual activity that occurs without mutual agreement. Sexual harassment can be reported that employment or career growth is promoted by means of sexual favors (Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2019). Risk minimization is an opportunity to identify the boundaries of human relationships and set behavioral norms.
Conclusion
The SHARP Program is not the one policy to protect soldiers and their leaders against unfair sexual treatment. The US Army is the place where people are able to change their attitudes, determine new standards, and recognize additional emotions. The integration of the SHARP Program in the Army is an obligatory step to protect citizens and prevent sexual violence. Sometimes, a person may be in need of explanation and support, and the government has to provide such opportunities for free.
References
Aberdeen Proving Ground. (2019). Sexual harassment assault response prevention (SHARP). Web.
Orchowski, L. M., Berry-Cabán, C. S., Prisock, K., Borsari, B., & Kazemi, D. M. (2018). Evaluations of sexual assault prevention programs in military settings: A synthesis of the research literature. Military Medicine, 183(1), 421-428. Web.
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention. (n.d.a). I. A. M. Strong and our army values and warrior ethos. Web.
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention. (n.d.b). Mission and overview. Web.