Sexual Assault Prevention
Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention
SSG Newman, Matthew
ALC Class 166-16
18 APR 16 Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to discuss the grave issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Army. It explains the steps I would take as a leader in the event of a sexual assault in my squad or platoon. It discusses the resources available for the victim and possible outcomes for the victim and the accused Soldier. Finally, it describes the actions I would take if the victim was a male, or if the victim and accused were the same gender. Guidance on how to assist the victim was taken from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention [SHARP] guidebook and Army Regulation [AR] 600-20, Army Command Policy, along with Department …show more content…
The soldier confided in a peer, not an officer or non-commissioned officer in the chain of command, therefore is still allowed to file a restricted report. However, once I am aware of a potential sexual assault, I feel I have an obligation to report it to the military police [MP], criminal investigation command [CID], or chain of command. Regulation states that Soldiers and DA civilians are obligated to prevent sexual harassment; this includes a zero-tolerance policy for allowing or ignoring sexual assault or harassment claims. All claims should be reported immediately, no later than 24 hours after the incident. (AR 600-20, Para 7-3b. and Para …show more content…
First and foremost leaders must devise a plan to ensure that the victim and any witnesses are protected from acts of reprisal. Unit command must place an administrative flag on the accused as soon as they are notified of the official investigation. (AR 600-20, para D-4; AR 600-8-2, para 2-2) The accused Soldier or victim may be transferred to another unit; however, if the victim does not wish to leave his or her unit it may be best to transfer the accused Soldier. Re-victimization may occur if the victim is moved against their wishes. The victim or other Soldiers may believe that the transfer is due to reporting the incident, so it is important to reduce this stigma. The commander will initiate an expedited transfer at the victim’s request. (DoDI 6495.02, Encl 4, and Encl 5, para 5; AR 600-20, Apps G and H) A Military Protection Order [MPO], also called a no-contact-order, may be initiated, though if the victim lives off post, he or she will have to obtain a civilian restraining order if
SSG Newman, Matthew
ALC Class 166-16
18 APR 16 Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to discuss the grave issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Army. It explains the steps I would take as a leader in the event of a sexual assault in my squad or platoon. It discusses the resources available for the victim and possible outcomes for the victim and the accused Soldier. Finally, it describes the actions I would take if the victim was a male, or if the victim and accused were the same gender. Guidance on how to assist the victim was taken from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention [SHARP] guidebook and Army Regulation [AR] 600-20, Army Command Policy, along with Department …show more content…
The soldier confided in a peer, not an officer or non-commissioned officer in the chain of command, therefore is still allowed to file a restricted report. However, once I am aware of a potential sexual assault, I feel I have an obligation to report it to the military police [MP], criminal investigation command [CID], or chain of command. Regulation states that Soldiers and DA civilians are obligated to prevent sexual harassment; this includes a zero-tolerance policy for allowing or ignoring sexual assault or harassment claims. All claims should be reported immediately, no later than 24 hours after the incident. (AR 600-20, Para 7-3b. and Para …show more content…
First and foremost leaders must devise a plan to ensure that the victim and any witnesses are protected from acts of reprisal. Unit command must place an administrative flag on the accused as soon as they are notified of the official investigation. (AR 600-20, para D-4; AR 600-8-2, para 2-2) The accused Soldier or victim may be transferred to another unit; however, if the victim does not wish to leave his or her unit it may be best to transfer the accused Soldier. Re-victimization may occur if the victim is moved against their wishes. The victim or other Soldiers may believe that the transfer is due to reporting the incident, so it is important to reduce this stigma. The commander will initiate an expedited transfer at the victim’s request. (DoDI 6495.02, Encl 4, and Encl 5, para 5; AR 600-20, Apps G and H) A Military Protection Order [MPO], also called a no-contact-order, may be initiated, though if the victim lives off post, he or she will have to obtain a civilian restraining order if