How would we know if the culture is changing in reference to attitudes towards Sexual Assault and Sexual Harrassment?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:18:57 -0400

In other words, is it measurable? Is there a way to bring new statistical facts to the program in order to assess intelligently the changes instead of relying upon assumptions?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 1:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:28:27 -0400

I think it is measurable. When people figure out that no means no, we are succeeding. For whatever reason, it seems that this is the biggest problem. I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "well, yeah she said no, but I could tell she was just playing hard to get and she really wanted it." When we have situations where sexual harassment is happening and someone has the courage to step up against it without getting chastised by the group, then we are succeeding. When commanders and senior leaders stop acting like the SHARP program is a burden and start taking it seriously, then we will be succeeding. I could go on all day with this stuff, because it is what I have seen time and again as a Victim Advocate.

Response by SGT James McCue made Mar 26 at 2014 1:28 PM

SGT James McCue — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:28:30 -0400

As an EOL working with the UVA, I am asking a similar question.

Currently, I do not think that it is measurable as of yet. We do not have a base line to measure from.

My theory is that the military is preaching how to report an incident and it is effective. That is why we are discovering more incidents of sexual assault and harassment. I also believe the media's involvement highlights the issue.

This being said, I do not believe that sexual assaults and harassment are on the rise.

Bear in mind this is a theory and I may be wrong.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 4:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:11:49 -0400

Is it measurable? Certainly. Has enough time passed where we have quantifiable data to determine if SHARP has made a positive impact on the organization as a whole? I do not think so. My Battalion first stood up the program in 2010, and I'm not sure how long it has been on the AD or Reserve sides of the house.

We as first line leaders should have a pulse on our unit, but like everything else we can only effect positive change in our AO. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll help our organization.