SHARP resources expand to Army civilians

Department of Defense Army civilians are now eligible to receive Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) services per Army Directive 2021-30. This policy change was announced Sept. 17; Previously, Army civilians could only receive limited services while outside the continental U.S, deployed or if they were Active Duty dependents.

“We expect our civilians to live by the Army values and to take the same mandatory training as our Soldiers because we are a team. We should extend the same services to them,” said Arlene

Gentry the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for Yuma Proving Ground.

This policy changes are an additional effort in order to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault in the work force. Here are the changes to policy:

DA civilians now have the option to file an unrestricted report of sexual assault.

DA civilians electing to make an unrestricted report are eligible to receive victim advocacy services from Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and SHARP Victim Advocates (VA). These services do not include expedited transfers or any medical entitlements or legal services DA civilians are not already authorized by law or policy.

DA civilians who experience retaliation associated with their unrestricted report of sexual assault now have the ability to file reports of retaliation using DD Form 2910-2.

DA civilians not otherwise eligible for military medical treatment do not obtain additional eligibility through the SHARP program for nonemergency services such as followup care. Instead, SARCs and VAs will assist DA civilians in finding off-post resources such as rape crisis centers, counseling services and medical facilities. DA civilians may use Employee Assistance Program services alternatively or in addition to SHARP services.

It is important to note, The Equal

Employment Opportunity (EEO) offices will continue to process complaints of sexual harassment for DA civilians. SARCs and VAs who receive complaints of sexual harassment will help direct DA civilians to points of contact at the servicing EEO office.

These changes can have a lasting impact on the healing process for victims and the potential to prevent further sexual assaults in our community. If you need to make a report you can call the YPG Helpline at (928) 920-3104 or you can call the DoD Helpline at 877-995-5247.