Do the SHARP briefings cause more problems then they solve?

2014-04-21T20:48:12-04:00

Every SHARP briefing I've been in always turns into a test of who can come up with the best SHARP quip. 

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Apr 21 at 2014 8:57 PM

2014-04-21T20:57:00-04:00

It definitely causes more problems to those who have been sexually assaulted and forced to listen to an NCO who was voluntold to give a training class make fun of a topic like this.

I do believe if the training is given by those who take the topic seriously then it can be beneficial.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Apr 21 at 2014 8:57 PM

2014-04-21T20:57:54-04:00

I would assume that it starts from the top of your organization. Standards

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 21 at 2014 9:06 PM

2014-04-21T21:06:35-04:00

No.

Our unit has a very successful program based on the strict screening done to ensure we have the right people in place as our UVAs and SHARP POCs. This is one of the most important considerations to ensure you have a program that is effective instead of just checking the block. It has to be someone that your population is confident will act and will maintain the security of the victim as the #1 priority.

Additionally, we are very involved in the briefings and open to every voice within the formation. Too often, units allow conversations to be domineered down the wrong path and get off topic. A good program is easy to spot.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-04-21T21:31:15-04:00

while some may joke around during briefings, lessons sink in. I think the increase in incidents is a result of SHARP training teaching victims of what to do and that its okay to report incidents. And showing potential violators of the error in their ways and stopping some behaviors. and

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Apr 21 at 2014 9:34 PM

2014-04-21T21:34:27-04:00

Just completed the Sexual Harassment training... I'm going to be good at this.

Part of it is going to be the target audience and the delivery. It can be traumatizing for a UVA who is a survivor to continually relive the experience, not just during the training, but every time a new problem is brought to their attention. At the same time, someone who has never had to experience the trauma first hand is not really empathetic or understanding. Having spent time in Combat Arms as well as MI, there is a distinct cultural difference in the attitude regarding the SHARP training too.

If you have been in a unit where the SHARP is a check the block, but the violations continue to happen, you can watch people, survivors and abusers both, just tune out... They know its a CYA for a toxic command that really doesn't care.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/new-sharp-training-video-by-amy-schumer

RallyPoint | New SHARP training video by Amy Schumer...

(TW: Rape) Amy Schumer is a comedian. However, a recent video she did takes on a serious issue.  http://jezebel.com/amy-schumer-realizes-military-games-are-not-fun-for-fem [login to see] A novel appr...

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 21 at 2014 10:12 PM

2014-04-21T22:12:29-04:00

Why would SHARP briefing cause more problems?<br><br>I believe the Army is over-saturating us with this requirement, but can't cause more problems.<br><br>If you have attendees 'out-quipping' each other, they are part of the problem. 

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 10:34 PM

2014-04-21T22:34:17-04:00

SHARP is excellent for victim advocacy, but the briefings themselves depending on who is delivering them can be pointless. Though it is important to potential victims to know their resources.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 10:34 PM

2014-04-21T22:34:58-04:00

In some regards, SHARP can be seen as not very serious. Unfortunately, with the multitude of SHARP related violations by senior individuals, especially those in SHARP positions, SHARP has been heavily scrutinized. It IS a very good program if it is run by good knowledgable and passionate personnel. I am a fully qualified, NOVA certified, SHARP Rep. Like many other reps, I was re-investigated last year due to the mandates put out by DoD. During the interview process with the BDE CDR, I spoke very bluntly about the actual problems with the SHARP program, sexual assaults and sexual harassment. Ultimately, it is a societal problem NOT a military problem. Think about it. The military's standards are always multiple levels above society. As society's standards and norms go down, so does the military's at about an equal rate. As it goes up, so does the military.

With the SHARP program itself, I have been a very passionate presenter with various briefs. Those who know me know I despise powerpoint slides for a topic such as SHARP. I usually will use new and fresh videos accompanied by a very interactive discussion with the Soldiers in my unit. My previous CDR and 1SG heavily supported the program and fully supported the way I led. In fact, my CDR would sit in and continue to guide Soldiers down the path I was leading them since he generally saw what I was alluding to. It worked many times. Several comments are spot on. The person leading MUST be passionate and truly care for Soldiers. If not, this will NOT work.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 2:37 PM

2018-07-26T14:37:53-04:00

Every SHARP Briefing i have went to always comes down to all men are rapists waiting for the opportunity to rape. Its really infuriating. My company is so scarred about rape that the females are given special accommodations in almost every situation. I was forced to do a night fire CQ shift once because my leadership said that the female who was supposed to do it, couldn't do it because she was a "female" Uh EO much? Almost every month that we've been on active status for the deployment we get some kinda Sharp brief. Honestly i just wish they would move the females somewhere else because im tired of being harassed and treated differently because im a "male who's bound to try to rape someone"

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2020 10:41 AM

2020-12-16T10:41:55-05:00

Well not only that but i noticed that in my unit it made soldiers more paranoid and people would use SHARP whenever they felt the slightest bit uncomfortable. There were times where a female would be fawning over a male soldier and it was okay if that male doldier did the same but if a male soldier whom dhe didnt like made the slightest comment about how pretty she was she would use sharp as a weapon. Not a personal experience but ive seen it happen.