By John Reese
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
During April, when an emphasis is placed on sexual assault awareness, Soldiers learn about SHARP (sexual harassment, assault response prevention) while Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen learn about SAPR (sexual assault prevention and response), but the message for all branches is the same and it’s clear: There is no place for sexual harassment, sexual assault, or retaliation in our services.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is a crime. It is an intentional sexual contact characterized by the use of force, threats, intimidation or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent.
The term includes sexual offenses consisting of rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy or attempts to commit these offenses.
As Stuttgart is a joint-service military community, all service members and Department of Defense civilians are encouraged to develop their situational awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month. Some training is mandatory. However, USAG Stuttgart will conduct a SAAPM event, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., April 27, next to the main Exchange on Panzer Kaserne.
“This event will provide information to members of the Stuttgart military community,” said Cinda Robison, prevention coordinator, USAG Stuttgart Army Substance Abuse Program. “Those attending can take SHARP interactive training that highlights the services provided by the garrison. Such training builds resiliency and makes for better, stronger service members.”
The keys to combatting sexual assault are leadership involvement and prevention.
“Regardless of branch of service, leaders, including civilian leaders, have a responsibility to set the conditions that enforce standards to prevent incidents and respond to when they happen,” Robison said.
April is also Alcohol Awareness Month, and a Ready and Resilient Healthy Lifestyle event will be combined the SAAPM activities at the same place and time.
“Participants will learn about ASAP services and can take the ‘Fatal Vision Roadster Go-cart Test Drive,’ where you try to drive wearing goggles that simulate driving under the influence,” Robison explained. “Those who attend ASAP training will also receive credit for an hour of annual ASAP face-to-face training.”
Robison said the value in these events is its being “experiential and that way people will remember it. It is more likely to be stored in the long-term memory when strong emotions are tied to it … plus with a sparkle in their eyes.
“It just is going to be downright fun for everyone!”
Additionally, the American Red Cross are scheduled to present refresher (not certification) CPR training, the Army Health Clinic-Stuttgart will present smoking cessation information and the Army Criminal Investigation Division will provide information on vape juice with real or synthetic cannabinoids.
Additional info
If you need to report a sexual assault, call the garrison SHARP office at 431-3656/3227 or 07031-15-3656/3327. For the 24/7 hotline, call 431-3141/4841/7280, 07031-3141/4841/7280.
For questions about garrison ASAP resources and services, call 431-2530.
For more information and resources, visit here or here.
