wk4 research notebook

Running head: SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS 1

3

SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS

The University of Arizona Global Campus

12 August 2021

Summary

The article talks about how SHARP, a program within the army responsible for ending sexual assaults and harassment within the ranks, directs its efforts to prevent such behaviors from ever occurring. It further states that these prospects can be achieved by instilling and restoring trust, starting at the top-level (rank). By reinforcing values, culture, and unit cohesion, trust can be restored. Although measure the article highlights that will help address sexual assaults is providing support to the victims in various ways, including support with medical services or mental health. It also talks about how there are different services in place to assist victims and survivors, such as helplines and even the People First Task Force (Devon, 2021).

There are several main points highlighted in the article; firstly, it stipulates how the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program is Establishing a culture of preventive measures, knowledge, support, and trust by pushing for new reforms that are needed to eradicate harmful behaviors within the army. The program provides support for victims as well as holds the perpetrators accountable. It says that the only way that these behaviors can be permanently eradicated is if the army reinforces a culture of trust, good clause, and unity within the units. Lastly, it states that how the military aims to combine almost 15 separate rules and directives to address the matter. Once published, the new guideline shall offer SHARP personnel and leaders with a single rule to allow and enhance the mitigation and response to sexual misconduct across the whole force. SHARP directors also strive to centrally identify and oversee all SARCs and victim advocates (Devon, 2021).

Analysis

It is both refreshing and surprising to see the actions and practices that are being undertaken by the different programs within the military to address the issue of sexual assaults. The long-standing culture within the army, especially when it involves seniors assaulting juniors as always been to cover up and thus making the likelihood of reporting very rare. Most high ranking officers are not charged when accused due to their position. So the article provided a new light on how the SHARP program is working towards eradicating such cultures and advocating more for victims.

The most critical information within the article is the improvements being made by SHARP to address the issue. One of the main improvements in their policies includes providing unlimited reporting resources for people and the services for SARC and victim advocacy. Additionally, it stipulated that during investigative, litigation and recovery procedure, citizens and their dependents shall also have access to advocate services. This is very important as it encourages more people to report such acts when they occur, knowing they will be properly advocated for. It also holds the perpetrators accountable.

To summarize, this article has provided me with more knowledge on the issue of sexual assault within the army, although I knew it was a problem, I had no idea how big the issue was and how policies play a significant role in how these behaviors are death with. In other words, stricter policies are the best in situations like these. They enable survivors /victims to feel more comfortable coming out and telling their stories, thus holding their assaulters accountable.

REFERENCES

Devon L. Suits. (2021, 2 April). SHARP director: Preventing sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility. www.army.mil. https://www.army.mil/article/244900/sharp_director_preventing_sexual_assault_is_everyones_responsibility