The Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program (SHARP) is dedicated to eliminating sexual harassment and sexual assaults across the force. Its mission is to foster a culture of dignity, respect, and trust for every member of the Army Family – Soldiers, civilians and their loved ones.

Core goals of the SHARP program:

• Prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault before they occur
• Create a climate that encourages reporting and reduces stigma
• Ensure the safety and protection of victims
• Enhance capabilities for investigation, prosecution, and victim care
• Sustain long-term response readiness through refined resources and leadership

Sexual harassment and sexual assault are fundamentally incompatible with Army Values and will not be tolerated. One assault is one too many. We are committed to building and maintaining a climate of trust and respect at all levels. SHARP is a commander’s responsibility, and leaders across USAREUR-AF actively engaged in implementing and expanding this comprehensive program to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.

Definitions

Sexual Assault:

Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault is intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, or intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. The term includes a broad category of sexual offenses consisting of the following specific UCMJ offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, or attempts to commit these offenses.

Sexual Harassment:

1. Conduct that—
   1. Involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and deliberate or repeated offensive comments or gestures of a sexual nature when—
   2. Submission to such conduct is, either explicitly or implicitly, made a term or condition of a person’s job, pay, or career;
   3. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person; or
   4. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
2. Is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and the victim does perceive, the environment as hostile or offensive.
3. Any use or condonation, by any person in a supervisory or command position, of any form of sexual behavior to control, influence, or affect the career, pay, or job of a member of the Armed Forces or a civilian employee of the DoD.
4. Any deliberate or repeated unwelcome verbal comments or gesture of a sexual nature by any member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the DoD.
5. There is no requirement for concrete psychological harm to the victim for behavior to constitute sexual harassment. Behavior is sufficient to constitute sexual harassment if it is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and the victim does perceive, the environment as hostile or offensive.
6. Sexual harassment can occur through electronic communications including social media, other forms of communication, and in person.
   1. (d)The use of disrespectful and gender-biased language or behavior that targets any gender contributes to a hostile environment will not be tolerated. Leaders at all levels will protect their teams, Soldiers, DA Civilians, and Family members against sexual harassment and proactively ensure that their environments are free from all forms of sexual harassment.
   2. (e) Leaders who fail to properly process sexual harassment complaints policy may be subject to punitive or adverse administrative action under UCMJ.

February 11, 2025: The Army has released Army Regulation (AR) 600-52, establishing a standalone policy for the SHARP Program. This regulation aims to enhance Army readiness by fostering a culture free of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and associated retaliatory behaviors.

March 15, 2025: The Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented a new policy on sexual harassment reporting procedures, emphasizing streamlined processes and enhanced support for victims. This policy mandates comprehensive training and clear guidelines to ensure timely and effective responses to incidents of sexual harassment.

April 7, 2025: For SAAPM kick-off on the 56^th MDC-Europe Commander has signed the proclamation giving guidance on prevention strategies, focusing on proactive measures to identify and mitigate potential risks. These strategies include regular training sessions, open forums for discussion, and the establishment of a task force dedicated to addressing and preventing sexual harassment and assault.

July 8, 2025: Our installation has issued a new Policy Letter outlining specific procedures and resources available for preventing and responding to sexual harassment and assault within our community. This letter underscores BG Carpenter commitment to a safe and respectful environment for all service members and civilians.

If you need immediate support, contact our 24/7 Hotline: DSN 314-53-SHARP (537-4277) / COMM. 0162-296-6741​​​