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SHARP Stand-down Refresher Training Commanders and JFHQ SARCs VA SHARP Specialists

SHARP Stand-down Refresher Training Commanders and JFHQ SARCs VA SHARP Specialists. AGENDA Commander’s Roles Commander’s Expectations Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (JFHQ SARC) Responsibilities Victim Advocate (VA) SHARP Specialists Responsibilities.

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SHARP Stand-down Refresher Training Commanders and JFHQ SARCs VA SHARP Specialists

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  1. SHARP Stand-down Refresher Training Commanders and JFHQ SARCs VA SHARP Specialists

  2. AGENDA • Commander’s Roles • Commander’s Expectations • Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (JFHQ SARC) Responsibilities • Victim Advocate (VA) SHARP Specialists Responsibilities

  3. “Commanders, non-commissioned officers, and law enforcement must ensure that every allegation of sexual assault and sexual harassment is thoroughly and professionally investigated and that appropriate action is taken. Leaders at every level are responsible for establishing a command climate of mutual respect, trust, and safety. Leaders must develop systems to “see” their units, and understand the extent to which their leadership promotes a positive command climate for all Soldiers. I urge everyone to start a conversation within your unit or organization, among leaders, peers, and subordinates and with family and friends to better understand one another’s experiences and to develop better solutions to this problem.” Raymond T. Odierno General, 38th Chief of Staff U.S. Army CSA Sends, 16 May 2013

  4. Strategic Level Focus on Sexual Assault in the Military “Sexual assault is a crime…a persistent problem that violates everything we stand for. We must do everything we can do to protect our men and women from sexual assault, and those who would attack their dignity and their honor.” GEN FRANK J. GRASS, Chief National Guard Bureau May 25, 2013 – GEN Grass and other JCS members meet with Pres Obama to discuss sexual assault in the military

  5. Commanders must promote a climate where Soldiers • Treat one another with dignity and respect • Are empowered to intervene, act, and motivate • Soldiers, Family members, and civilians feel comfortable reporting sexual harassment and sexual assault incidents • Commanders must maintain a quality SHARP Program which aligns with the DOD SAPR Strategic Plan and JCS Strategic Lines of Effort • Ensure selection of highly qualified JFHQ SARC and VA SHARP Specialist appointed by appropriate approving official • Support Sexual Assault Awareness/Prevention events • Commander’s Role in Prevention

  6. Take immediate steps to ensure victim’s safety, security, and medical treatment needs • Ensure appropriate law enforcement is notified within 24 hours; 48 hours in deployed environments • Establish a command climate of prevention • Emphasize that sexual assault violates the core values of the Armed Forces as a profession • Call attention to the potential legal consequences, and DOD and Military Service policies on sexual assault • Keep a “finger on the pulse” of the organization’s climate • Respond appropriately to negative trends • Monitor JFHQ SARC and VA SHARP Specialists for signs of vicarious trauma • Commander’s Role inResponse

  7. JFHQ SARCs and VA SHARP Specialists are expected to: • Improve the quality of response to sexual assault victims. • Recognize how JFHQ SARCs and VA SHARP Specialists contribute to unit readiness by creating a climate of trust and mutual respect. • Communicate to military leadership that victim advocacy is a specialized skill set. Demonstrate professionalism at all times. • Maintain certification requirements; engage in continuing education and development that enhances teamwork and interpersonal skills, which in turn can increase readiness to participate in a broader range of missions. • Commander’s • Expectations

  8. I Will Never Leave A Fallen Comrade • Commander’s • Expectations JFHQ SARCs and VA SHARP Specialists are expected to: • BELIEVE – We believe all Soldiers who report a sexual assault • SUPPORT – We empower victims to heal and ensure consistent and fair treatment of Soldiers who report sexual assault • SAFETY – We educate and advocate to reduce the occurrence of sexual assault.

  9. As the JFHQ SARC you must: • Provide program oversight and implementation to ensure consistent, sensitive, and appropriate care for victims • Advertise the DoD Safe Helpline, 877-995-5247, for 24/7 support of ARNG sexual assault victims • Exercise oversight responsibility for VA/SHARP Specialist • Respond to every Restricted and Unrestricted Report of sexual assault within the ARNG • Response that recognizes the high prevalence of pre-existing trauma (prior to present sexual assault incident) • Offer appropriate referrals to victims and facilitate access to referrals; encourage victims to follow up with referrals • Explain to victims the services of SARC/VA SHARP Specialists are optional and may be declined, in whole or in part, at any time. The victim may decline advocacy services, even if the SARC/VA SHARP Specialist holds a position of higher rank or authority. Explain victim’s option of requesting a different SARC/VA SHARP Specialist • Have the victim complete the DD Form 2910 and advise it will be maintained for 50 years • JFHQ SARC

  10. On Restricted Reports, store the original DD Form 2910, Victim Reporting Preference Statement, under double lock and key for 50 years (when requested by the victim) • For Unrestricted Reports ,upload the signed DD 2910 into the appropriate database • If the ARNG victim was in a T10 status at the time of the assault, input sexual assault case data into the Army’s Integrated Case Reporting System (ICRS) • If the ARNG victim was in a T32 or Non Duty Status at the time of the assault, input the sexual assault case data into the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (DSAID) • Adhere to confidentiality requirements of Restricted Reporting, MRE 514 and/or any state laws governing advocate privilege – Explain implications of confiding in another person resulting in a third-party report to command or DOD law enforcement • Provide TAG non-PII within 24 hours of a Restricted Report – notification may be extended to 48 hours if there are extenuating circumstances or at the discretion of TAG • Provide first LTC in the victim’s chain of command with information regarding an Unrestricted Report within 24hours – notification may be extended to 48 hours if there are extenuating circumstances. • Assist commander in ensuring the victims of sexual assault receive appropriate responsive care and understand available SAPR services • JFHQ SARC • Continued

  11. Facilitate education of command personnel on sexual assault and victim advocacy services • Actively work to protect victims from reprisals for reporting incidents of sexual assault • Provide referrals and support to ARNG victims of domestic violence and record information in GKO • Build strong collaborative partnerships with relevant civilian agencies • Support the TAG in holding a monthly Case Management Group (CMG) meeting, IAW DoDI 6495.02 and upload monthly agenda and minutes in JSS • Coordinate activities and events for SAAM • Support education of first responders on issues relating to sexual assault and available services • Facilitate education of command personnel on sexual assault and victim advocacy services • Adhere to the SARC/VA Code of Ethics associated with the D-SAACP certification • JFHQ SARC • Continued

  12. When interacting initially with a victim, VA/SHARP Specialists have important responsibilities: • Ensure  victim understands speaking with VA/SHARP Specialist is voluntary • Ascertain victim’s immediate needs • If there are any concerns about harm to self or others, contact your DPH to complete a clinical assessment of risk • Encourage victim to seek medical consultation/examination • Ensure victim is aware of resources available to promote his or her safety • Explain each reporting option available, including exceptions/limitations of each • If a victim has discussed the assault with a family member or friend (provided they are not part of the victim’s COC or LE) ensure the victim is aware they can still make a restricted report • VA/SHARP Specialists (1 of 3)

  13. Other responsibilities include: • Review DD Form 2910 with victim to ensure they understand implications of their choice of report type • Ensure DD2910 has been correctly initialed, signed, dated, & completed • Provide victim copy of signed & dated DD2910 • Offer information on military & civilian support services • Facilitate victim’s contact with military & civilian resources, as requested by victim • Advise victim of VA/SHARP Specialist’s availability to provide ongoing advocacy services for as long as desired • Consult with the JFHQ SARC about immediate assistance that has been provided • Provide victims with ongoing assistance related to recovery from sexual assault • VA/SHARP • Specialist (2 of 3)

  14. Additional responsibilities: • Serve as member of CMG & attend all CMG meetings involving victim’s case, when requested by the JFHQ SARC • Maintain follow-up contact with victim, as requested by victim • Support victim in decision making by providing relevant information & discussing available options • Assist victim with prioritizing actions & establishing short & long-term goals related to recovery from sexual assault • Support victim in advocating on his or her own behalf • Assist victim in gaining access to service providers & victim support resources • Assist victim in contacting appropriate military & civilian legal offices for personal legal advice & assistance • Advise victim of impact of sexual assault on Family members & offer referral information for Family members • Accompany victim to appointments & civilian & military court proceedings, when requested by victim • Consult regularly with the JFHQ SARC • VA/SHARP • Specialist (3 of 3)

  15. SHARP Partners In addition to unit SHARP personnel, the commander is supported by five critical partners.

  16. As a Commander and JFHQ SARC or VA SHARP Specialist, we MUST: • Know our partners • Know victims rights • TOGETHER…..WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! TOGETHER…..WE WILL CHANGE THE CULTURE! • References: • National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 • National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 • Department of Defense Directive 6495.01, April 13, 2013 • Department of Defense Instruction 6495.02, Mar 28, 2013 • Secretary of Defense Memorandum, May 6, 2013 • Assistant Secretary of the Army Memorandum, May 16, 2013 • Assistant Secretary of the Army Memorandum, May 28, 2013 • Army Regulation 600-20 • EXORD 221-2012

  17. COMMANDERS TOOLS • T-32 Commanders Checklist • Investigative jurisdiction is determined by the status of the alleged offender (T10, T32 or civilian) and the location of the assault (Federal installation, non-Federal location) • CID/ Local Law Enforcement • If the alleged offender is in a T10 Status, CID will investigate • If the alleged offender is in a T32 Status, local law enforcement will investigate. It is important to develop relationships with local agencies to support these types of investigations • Line of Duty (LOD) Investigations • The JFHQ SARC will initiate sexual assault related LODs as required

  18. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SHARP Website: http://www.preventsexualassault.army.mil/ DOD SAPR Website: http://www.sapr.mil DoD Safe Helpline: www.safehelpline.org NGB Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office http://www.ng.mil/jointstaff/j1/sapr/default.aspx

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