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If someone files a SHARP complaint what I have seen is the accuser is always seen as a victim and the accused is automatically biased as guilty until proven innocent. But if the investigation finds that the SHARP complaint is unfounded and that the accuser was filing a complaint just to get back at or ruin the career of the accused, what do y'all think should be done about the false accuser?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
Sir, I'm currently being wrongfully accused of a SHARP violation, and the flag prevents me from gaining employment, and obviously any positive actions. I didn't mind at first, because it also stopped me from having to go through QRB this year, which is another less than perfect Army practice, but I digress. I would say it's fair that both Soldiers are flagged until the matter is resolved. I have reason to believe this particular Soldier may have even been the root cause of not only my prevention of career progression (I was promoted to E7 while on active duty, and I'd accepted a promotion to E8 that was offered by a new admin NCO), but also my demotion to Staff Sergeant after requesting reassignment IAW AR 135-91 para 5-5. Instead, I was ordered to report for "accountability" over 400 miles from my home, such that I wouldn't be paid, housed, fed or allowed to perform duty, in direct violation of at least AR 40-501, and simple Soldier care. Answering your question though, mutual flagging action during the determination process, and then complete UCMJ processing for "intentionally" false reporting allegations, conduct unbecoming, and what ever else an objective JAG would come up with.
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Great question sir. I am a Victims Advocate and basically there is no reprisal for any complaint filed. This is because if they punish there is a fear of victims being bullied into not reporting. It also has to do with perception if someone perceives they are being harassed they are assumed to be regardless of the true intentions. So essentially It is not about the act comment or gesture its is how it is received by the complainant. I agree there should be consequences for the false statements but the question is how do you prove it? I have seen SHARP used as a tool to tarnish reputations by a command with zero consequences for making such allegations. One would hope that at one point there would be intervention from the SARC in reference to these types of individuals, unfortunately from what i have seen, this has yet to be a course of action taken.
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http://www.nsvrc.org/publications/articles/false-reports-moving-beyond-issue-successfully-investigate-and-prosecute-non-s
2-8% of reported sexual assaults are false. The above links you to a meta-study that combs through other studies on false reports.
LTC (Join to see), you stated on this thread: "On another note, I think the only way to be proactive is to subject all personnel to psychological testing to determine whether they are potential predators or not."
Predators operate by testing the waters with less-than-politically-correct comments, gestures, and behaviors. When around groups of people that permit that type of behavior, they blend in quite well. On the other hand, often times predators can be very charismatic. There was a post in this thread regarding males closing-ranks when a cohort is accused of sexual assault.
I suggest two things. First, always listen to your troops if they have a problem. It may not be the real problem, but listening lets them know you believe. Second, do not permit around you off-color humor, sexually suggestive comments, or most things your mother-would-have-smacked-you-on-the-back-of-your-head if you did. Most often a simple, "I'd appreciate if you didn't use that type of language/joke/comment/remark/gesture/etc," is enough to let those in the environment around you know you don't tolerate that kind of thing and it lets those around you who may be thinking the same thing know they're not alone.
Back to the heart of the topic. Being accused of sexual assault can ruin your reputation with anyone around you. So if someone is accused falsely (2-8% of reports) that person ought to have access to the same victim services any other slander victim has access to. If you don't think that does enough...perhaps we need to look at victims' rights across the board.
2-8% of reported sexual assaults are false. The above links you to a meta-study that combs through other studies on false reports.
LTC (Join to see), you stated on this thread: "On another note, I think the only way to be proactive is to subject all personnel to psychological testing to determine whether they are potential predators or not."
Predators operate by testing the waters with less-than-politically-correct comments, gestures, and behaviors. When around groups of people that permit that type of behavior, they blend in quite well. On the other hand, often times predators can be very charismatic. There was a post in this thread regarding males closing-ranks when a cohort is accused of sexual assault.
I suggest two things. First, always listen to your troops if they have a problem. It may not be the real problem, but listening lets them know you believe. Second, do not permit around you off-color humor, sexually suggestive comments, or most things your mother-would-have-smacked-you-on-the-back-of-your-head if you did. Most often a simple, "I'd appreciate if you didn't use that type of language/joke/comment/remark/gesture/etc," is enough to let those in the environment around you know you don't tolerate that kind of thing and it lets those around you who may be thinking the same thing know they're not alone.
Back to the heart of the topic. Being accused of sexual assault can ruin your reputation with anyone around you. So if someone is accused falsely (2-8% of reports) that person ought to have access to the same victim services any other slander victim has access to. If you don't think that does enough...perhaps we need to look at victims' rights across the board.

False Reports: Moving Beyond the Issue to Successfully Investigate and Prosecute Non-Stranger...
The article begins by reviewing up-to-date research suggesting that the rate of false reporting for sexual assault is in the range of 2-8%. It also critiques prior research suggesting that the rate of false reporting is far higher, and explores the reasons why this issue is so challenging for professionals in the field. Questions addressed in the article include the following:* How many sexual assault reports are false? * What is the actual...
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I have a false SHARP complaint and need guidance on a particular situation. Please refer to the letter that I wrote to my PMS at my ROTC Battalion
First and foremost, it is with much regret that I am writing you this letter due to the current circumstances of what happened at Leader’s Training Course. I understand that it is ultimately your decision as to whether I continue in the Army ROTC Program and that you have the report of what happened at Ft. Knox. However, I wish to present my side of story as the basis as to why I should continue in your program. I firmly believe that this incident has damaged and defamed my character with both the UCF Army ROTC Program and Cadet Command. Secondly, I was falsely accused of a SHARP (Sexual Harassment Assault and Rape Prevention) offense for accidently bumping into a fellow male cadet. Listed below is a detailed account of what happened:
Around 1800 hours Tuesday June 17th, I was in the DFAC for dinner when I accidently bumped into a fellow cadet twice by accident due to my fatigue and my hunger from doing numerous activities beforehand. The first time I bumped into the cadet, he asserts that he looked back at me as a warning that I was standing too close. The second time I bumped into the cadet, a verbal altercation ensued about me being too close and with me apologizing that I did not notice that I accidentally bumped into him and asserted that since he was supposed to be a mentor to the cadets in training, his attitude is unfit for one in such a position. Afterwards, he told me to stop talking in an expletive manner. After dinner, I waited outside the DFAC to explain my reasoning and try to resolve the issue. However, the event escalated into another argument with me attempting to end it with a handshake. Although we shook hands, the cadet asserted that I still had an attitude problem after I repeatedly denied that I did not. Later on that night, while doing my laundry, I was ordered to go down to the Company Quarters to talk to my Platoon Leader. When I entered her office, I was asked about what happened today in the DFAC and about me being in the latrine (bathroom) for using my mobile device (the latrine was the only place where I could receive cellular reception). After telling her that the latrine was the only place where I can receive reception and telling the aforementioned story in the DFAC, she left the office in order for the SHARP advocate to speak to me about the incident(s). After explaining the same story to him, and the regimental commander and sergeant major, I was told to go to my room to go to sleep.
The next morning (18th), at the first formation of the day, I was called out to go back to the company quarters with orders to go to the regimental office for follow on orders. After waiting for about an hour or so, I was driven (unknowingly) to the Ft. Knox’s CID for questioning. When the questioning started, the investigator repeatedly asked questions between the incident in the DFAC and my mobile phone usage in the latrine. Moreover, they asserted that they had the incident in the DFAC on camera, in which I asserted that they do not have a video (since there are no security cameras in there) and if they did have a video, I want to see it so I can defend any allegations against my character (Also, during this time I listed people who would vouch for me as a character who would not commit any sexual behavior unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman). When I realized that they were going to ask me the same questions over and over to get some sort of “confession” out of me. I requested to speak to a lawyer. After leaving CID I was returned to my training platoon that evening for my peer evaluations and a situation report of my training progress at Leader’s Training Course. During the evaluations, I was told that two cadets had came forth in my defense to defend my character and they asserted that the cadet who filed the SHARP investigation against me consistently violated his integrity and threatened to have one of the cadets who came forth in my defense to have his scholarship cut from him.
On Thursday the 19th, I was called off the rifle qualification range and informed that I was to pack all my CIF gear and that I would be going home. I was determined to stay at Ft. Knox, since I was not able to plead my case, wasn’t given an opportunity to see a lawyer (after I requested one the day prior), or have CID investigate the cadets that I listed during the interrogation that would defend my character. After driving back to the barracks and packing my stuff. I was told that at 1600 hours that a board of officers is going to review incident and allow me to plead my case. 15 minutes prior to the review board, I was informed that I would not be meeting them and they would make a decision without me being present. 3 hours later I was informed that I was to be disenrolled out of the Army ROTC program. However, I was told that there would be a chance for an appeal if I wanted it the following day, in which I requested one.
When Friday the 20th came around, I asked my platoon leader if she would vouch for me as a character witness, in which she agreed. I also had in my possession a list of cadets who would defend my character, and a written statement from a cadet stating that when I was in latrine, I was only there to use my mobile phone or to actually utilize the latrine(s). When the results of the appeal came back, I was informed that the Task Force Commander wanted me to leave. During the appeals process, not once did they look at the written statement, interview my platoon leader or the cadets that I listed.
To surmise, I understand that the decision is ultimately up to you sir as to whether or not I continue in the UCF Army ROTC Program. However, I also wish to emphasize that while I was at LTC, I was ranked number one in my squad and received an overall E on my leadership abilities as squad leader. Moreover, CID and my command did not do a proper investigation due to them not investigating the names of fellow cadets that I listed in the interrogation or speaking to my platoon leader, who said she would volunteer her services as a witness to my character. Also, if I am allowed to stay in the Army ROTC Program, it is my goal to be commissioned as an Infantry Officer. The reason being, when the United States Military liberated the island of Grenada (the birthplace of my mother), it allowed the rest of her family to emigrate to the United States and have a chance at the American Dream. The conduit for that means was mainly through the use of infantry.
First and foremost, it is with much regret that I am writing you this letter due to the current circumstances of what happened at Leader’s Training Course. I understand that it is ultimately your decision as to whether I continue in the Army ROTC Program and that you have the report of what happened at Ft. Knox. However, I wish to present my side of story as the basis as to why I should continue in your program. I firmly believe that this incident has damaged and defamed my character with both the UCF Army ROTC Program and Cadet Command. Secondly, I was falsely accused of a SHARP (Sexual Harassment Assault and Rape Prevention) offense for accidently bumping into a fellow male cadet. Listed below is a detailed account of what happened:
Around 1800 hours Tuesday June 17th, I was in the DFAC for dinner when I accidently bumped into a fellow cadet twice by accident due to my fatigue and my hunger from doing numerous activities beforehand. The first time I bumped into the cadet, he asserts that he looked back at me as a warning that I was standing too close. The second time I bumped into the cadet, a verbal altercation ensued about me being too close and with me apologizing that I did not notice that I accidentally bumped into him and asserted that since he was supposed to be a mentor to the cadets in training, his attitude is unfit for one in such a position. Afterwards, he told me to stop talking in an expletive manner. After dinner, I waited outside the DFAC to explain my reasoning and try to resolve the issue. However, the event escalated into another argument with me attempting to end it with a handshake. Although we shook hands, the cadet asserted that I still had an attitude problem after I repeatedly denied that I did not. Later on that night, while doing my laundry, I was ordered to go down to the Company Quarters to talk to my Platoon Leader. When I entered her office, I was asked about what happened today in the DFAC and about me being in the latrine (bathroom) for using my mobile device (the latrine was the only place where I could receive cellular reception). After telling her that the latrine was the only place where I can receive reception and telling the aforementioned story in the DFAC, she left the office in order for the SHARP advocate to speak to me about the incident(s). After explaining the same story to him, and the regimental commander and sergeant major, I was told to go to my room to go to sleep.
The next morning (18th), at the first formation of the day, I was called out to go back to the company quarters with orders to go to the regimental office for follow on orders. After waiting for about an hour or so, I was driven (unknowingly) to the Ft. Knox’s CID for questioning. When the questioning started, the investigator repeatedly asked questions between the incident in the DFAC and my mobile phone usage in the latrine. Moreover, they asserted that they had the incident in the DFAC on camera, in which I asserted that they do not have a video (since there are no security cameras in there) and if they did have a video, I want to see it so I can defend any allegations against my character (Also, during this time I listed people who would vouch for me as a character who would not commit any sexual behavior unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman). When I realized that they were going to ask me the same questions over and over to get some sort of “confession” out of me. I requested to speak to a lawyer. After leaving CID I was returned to my training platoon that evening for my peer evaluations and a situation report of my training progress at Leader’s Training Course. During the evaluations, I was told that two cadets had came forth in my defense to defend my character and they asserted that the cadet who filed the SHARP investigation against me consistently violated his integrity and threatened to have one of the cadets who came forth in my defense to have his scholarship cut from him.
On Thursday the 19th, I was called off the rifle qualification range and informed that I was to pack all my CIF gear and that I would be going home. I was determined to stay at Ft. Knox, since I was not able to plead my case, wasn’t given an opportunity to see a lawyer (after I requested one the day prior), or have CID investigate the cadets that I listed during the interrogation that would defend my character. After driving back to the barracks and packing my stuff. I was told that at 1600 hours that a board of officers is going to review incident and allow me to plead my case. 15 minutes prior to the review board, I was informed that I would not be meeting them and they would make a decision without me being present. 3 hours later I was informed that I was to be disenrolled out of the Army ROTC program. However, I was told that there would be a chance for an appeal if I wanted it the following day, in which I requested one.
When Friday the 20th came around, I asked my platoon leader if she would vouch for me as a character witness, in which she agreed. I also had in my possession a list of cadets who would defend my character, and a written statement from a cadet stating that when I was in latrine, I was only there to use my mobile phone or to actually utilize the latrine(s). When the results of the appeal came back, I was informed that the Task Force Commander wanted me to leave. During the appeals process, not once did they look at the written statement, interview my platoon leader or the cadets that I listed.
To surmise, I understand that the decision is ultimately up to you sir as to whether or not I continue in the UCF Army ROTC Program. However, I also wish to emphasize that while I was at LTC, I was ranked number one in my squad and received an overall E on my leadership abilities as squad leader. Moreover, CID and my command did not do a proper investigation due to them not investigating the names of fellow cadets that I listed in the interrogation or speaking to my platoon leader, who said she would volunteer her services as a witness to my character. Also, if I am allowed to stay in the Army ROTC Program, it is my goal to be commissioned as an Infantry Officer. The reason being, when the United States Military liberated the island of Grenada (the birthplace of my mother), it allowed the rest of her family to emigrate to the United States and have a chance at the American Dream. The conduit for that means was mainly through the use of infantry.
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