Topic > Measures to Improve the Effectiveness of the Sharp Program

Sexual violence and sexual harassment are two issues the Army addresses periodically. Sexual harassment can be defined as “conduct involving unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and deliberate or repeated offensive comments or gestures.” While sexual violence is defined as "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 SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Asault Response and Prevention) program was implemented to prevent these incidents from occurring. In essence, sexual harassment and assault cannot be one hundred percent prevented, but better training and education on the topic could reduce the number of cases over time. Ensuring that soldiers understand the consequences of actions, if taken, and the effect they could have on their lives is critical. For the SHARP program for the improvement of the Army at all levels; must find and implement new ways to reach Soldiers, ensure that senior leaders set the right example and build trust with their subordinates, and take the time to properly address the cases at hand. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Within my unit, the SHARP program could be more effective through the presentation of information. During quarterly briefings, soldiers are typically crammed into a room where they are talked about, with minimal interaction. SHARP representatives will have a PowerPoint filled with a wealth of information, but when you look around the room, the soldiers are forced to stay awake and do not memorize what they are told. You won't be able to reach all the soldiers, but there must be ways to get their attention. For example, if there were video interviews with victims telling their stories and how the incident affected them, it's possible that soldiers would empathize with the victim and not want to make anyone feel that way again. If there were video interviews with accusers and the consequences they faced, soldiers might understand the gravity of committing these types of acts. The interviews would not only help keep the soldier's attention, but would also allow supporters to come and talk to subordinates as well. Real-life examples could convey the correct information, allow soldiers to reflect with each other, and interact with someone who has been through a tragic experience. Additionally, sending soldiers within the unit to attend the court-martial would be very effective; they would see the evidence and the ongoing process of how the Army deals with these situations. Another measure that could improve the effectiveness of the SHARP program within the unit is to have more than one SHARP representative within the battalion's batteries and companies. When soldiers experience traumatic situations like these, it is highly unlikely that they will feel comfortable addressing the designated representative with whom they likely have not had much interaction. By allowing squad leaders, squad leaders, platoon sergeants and first sergeants to attend the appropriate SHARP training to become representatives, it is possible that Soldiers may be more open about sharing personal information with someone they are familiar with. According to the Army Times, "the increase in sexual assault is concentrated in the 17- to 24-year-old demographic, or soldiers who are relatively new to the military." That said, new soldiers within a unit rotate..