Video Discussion Guide

Transcription

1 Back Cover Front Cover Guidance for Victims of Sexual assault Know that the Army is committed to your protection and recovery. Go to a safe location away from the attacker(s). File a restricted or unrestricted report of the attack. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Preserve all evidence of the assault. Do not bathe, wash hands, or brush teeth. Do no clean or straighten up the crime scene. Write down, tape or record by any other means all the details possible about the assault and the assailant. For more information on sexual harassment and sexual assault, or on the SHARP Program, visit the SHARP website: Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program Video Discussion Guide Orientation Video Soldier Training Video Leader Training Video LOYALTY DUTY RESPECT SELFLESS SERVICE HONOR INTEGRITY PERSONAL COURAGE LOYALTY DUTY RESPECT SELFLESS SERVICE HONOR INTEGRITY PERSONAL COURAGE

2 Page 2 Page 3 These videos are provided as tools to support SHARP training and spark discussions between leaders and Soldiers about the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The Army s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur. Our goal is to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army Community. Army leaders have been clear that the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault is a leadership priority. Orientation Video A recently-transferred Soldier is sexually harassed, and her Sergeant encourages her to report. Because a majority of sexual harassment and sexual assault incidents occur within the first 90 days in a new unit, Orientation provides an important opportunity to remind every Soldier of the Army s standards. We will fix this problem. It is time we take on the fight against sexual assault and sexual harassment as our primary mission. It is up to every one of us, Civilian and Soldier, general officer to private, to solve this problem within our ranks. Chief of Staff of the Army General Raymond T. Odierno Soldier Training Video After his daughter is sexually assaulted by a Soldier on base, a Colonel makes SHARP a command priority and leads the brigade in increasing awareness, prevention, and intervention efforts. The video includes discussion of intervention techniques, electronic communication, and the prevalence of male victims. We are going to overcome sexual assault within our formations. We re going to do this because we are who we say we are. I believe we ve got the skills, we ve got the talent, and we have the training and the tools that we need to make this happen. Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III Leader Training Video A Sergeant First Class gives a less-thanideal safety briefing to his unit within earshot of his superiors. The leaders then examine the negative impact of sexual assault, and review right and wrong ways to discuss sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention and create a climate of respect. NOTE: These videos contain adult content, language, and situations that may make viewers uncomfortable. They depict real-life situations that Solders and leaders may face, both on and off the battlefield. 2 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 3

3 Page 4 Page 5 Sexual Harassment/ Assault Overview What is Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination that involves unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature between the same or opposite genders when submission to, or rejection of, such conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual s employment, work performance, or creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is a crime. DOD defines sexual assault as intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, 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, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship, sexual orientation, or age of victim. Sexual Assault Facts Within the United States 1 in 6 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. 1 in 33 men will also be victims of a sexual assault. Sexual assault is the most under-reported crime in America Those in the Army found guilty of sexual assault could face a dishonorable discharge and up to 30 years in prison. Categories of sexual harassment Verbal (Sexual Harassment) Examples of verbal sexual harassment may include telling sexual jokes; using sexually explicit profanity, threats, sexually oriented cadences, or sexual comments; whistling in a sexually suggestive manner; and describing certain attributes of one s physical appearance in a sexual manner. Verbal sexual harassment may also include using terms of endearment such as honey, babe, sweetheart, dear, stud, or hunk in referring to Soldiers, Civilian co-workers, or Family members. Nonverbal (Sexual Harassment) Examples of nonverbal sexual harassment may include staring at someone (that is, undressing someone with one s eyes ), blowing kisses, winking, or licking one s lips in a suggestive manner. Nonverbal sexual harassment also includes printed material (for example, displaying sexually oriented pictures or cartoons); using sexually oriented screen savers on one s computer; or sending sexually oriented notes, letters, faxes, , or text messages. Physical Contact (Sexual Harassment) Examples of physical sexual harassment may include touching, patting, pinching, bumping, grabbing, cornering, or blocking a passageway; kissing; and providing unsolicited back or neck rubs. Physical Contact (Sexual Assault) Physical contact of an intimate or inappropriate nature is no longer sexual harassment, but constitutes sexual assault, and the victim may file criminal charges. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to, any unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact such as fondling, rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex) or attempts to commit these acts. 4 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 5

4 Page 6 Page 7 Reporting Options There are two options when filing a complaint about sexual harassment: Informal Complaint An informal complaint is any complaint that a Soldier or family member does not wish to file in writing. Informal complaints may be resolved directly by the individual, or with the help of another unit member, the commander or other person in the complainant s chain of command. Should the complainant feel uncomfortable in filing a complaint with his/her unit chain of command, or should the complaint be against a member of that chain of command, a number of alternative agencies exist through which the issues may be identified for resolution, including someone in a higher echelon of the chain of command, Inspector General, chaplain, provost marshal, medical agency personel, staff judge advocate, or Chief Community Housing Referral and Relocation Services Office (CHRRS). Formal Complaint A formal complaint is one that a complainant files in writing and swears to the accuracy of the information. Formal complaints require specific actions, are subject to timelines, and require documentation of the actions taken. Soldiers have 60 calendar days from the date of the alleged incident in which to file a formal complaint. The complainant must specify the alleged concern, provide the names of the parties involved and witnesses, describe the incidents/behavior(s), and indicate the date(s) of the occurrence(s). The complaint should be filed with the commander at the lowest echelon of command at which the complainant may be assured of receiving a thorough, expeditious, and unbiased investigation of the allegations. There are two options for reporting a sexual assault: Restricted Report This option is for victims of sexual assault who wish to confidentially disclose the crime to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling without triggering the official investigative process. Service members who are sexually assaulted and desire restricted reporting under this policy must report the assault to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), a healthcare provider or chaplain. Healthcare providers will initiate the appropriate care and treatment, and report the sexual assault to the SARC. The assault will not be reported to law enforcement or the command. Victims who chose to file a restricted report may later change their report to unrestricted if they wish for an investigation. Unrestricted Reporting Unrestricted reporting allows a Soldier who is sexually assaulted and desires medical treatment, counseling, and an official investigation of his/her allegation to use current reporting channels like the chain of command or law enforcement, or to report the incident to the SARC or VA. Upon notification of a reported sexual assault, the SARC will immediately assign a Victim Advocate to discuss further options. Additionally, with the victim s conset, the healthcare provider will conduct a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE). Details regarding the incident will be limited to only those personnel who have a legitimate need to know. Victims who chose to file an unrestricted report may not change to a restricted report later. Victims who select unrestricted reporting are also eligible to request expedited transfer or reassignment. The request for transfer must be submitted in writing, and the victim s commander must recommend approval or disapproval within 72 hours of the submission of the request. If the commander recommends disapproval, the victim may request a review by the first general or flag officer, and that review must be completed within 72 hours of the request being made. 6 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 7

5 Page 8 Page 9 Intervention Techniques Anyone who observes inappropriate behavior has the opportunity to intervene and make a difference. Whether intervening to prevent sexual harassment or sexual assault, the intervention process has five basic steps: 1- Notice the event Remain conscious of your surroundings so you can recognize potentially inappropriate behavior. Do not minimize, excuse, or ignore it. If something feels wrong, pay attention. 2- Interpret it as a problem Does the situation make you uncomfortable? Recognize that the situation is hurting individuals, the unit, and mission accomplishment. Indirect Intervention Distract the potential offender Change the subject Make sure the victim is not alone Direct Intervention Start a conversation Confront the potential offender Separate the potential victim and offender Ask for help Contact law enforcement or authorities 3- Feel responsible to solve the problem Observing and recognizing the problem is not enough: Individuals must feel responsible for solving the problem. Don t assume someone else will do something - take responsibility yourself! 4- Choose how to intervene Consider the situation: Can you handle intervening alone, or do you need support from a peer, superior, or law enforcement? Do you need to intervene directly, or can a subtle distraction solve the problem? 5- Build a culture of prevention Intervention gets to the soul of what it means to be a Soldier a professional who adheres to standards and Army Values and who expects the others to do the same. Warning Signs of a Potential Sexual Assault Sexual comments and gestures Suggestive remarks Pressuring someone to drink Inappropriate touching or intimacy Targeting someone vulnerable Attempts to isolate someone 8 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 9

6 Page 10 Page 11 Orientation Discussion Guide Use these questions to prompt meaningful discussion about the scenarios and topics in the Orientation Video. Q: Can anyone give examples of sexual harassment? A: There are three forms of sexual harassment verbal, nonverbal, and physical. The following are just a few examples of each: Verbal Lewd or suggestive remarks including sexually oriented jokes Asking about sexual experiences, fantasies, or preferences Sounds of a sexual nature, such as whistling or catcalls Comments about a person s body Nonverbal Staring at someone ( undressing them with your eyes ) Making suggestive gestures Blowing kisses, winking, licking one s lips, etc. Displaying sexually oriented images or words Q: In the video, SPC Hansen starts to apologize for not speaking up about the sexual harassment sooner, although SGT Mills says her peers owe her an apology instead. Do you think many victims might blame themselves or think they made a mistake? A: Victims of sexual harassment are often surprised and overwhelmed by this unwanted behavior in an environment where they expected to feel safe. This is why it is so important for every member of the Army community to intervene, because victims need support and encouragement to know they are not alone. Q: What are some ways you can prevent sexual harassment? A: (Possible answers) Set a tone of respect for all Soldiers and Civilians. Speak up if you are offended by a behavior, and tell the person that the behavior bothers you. Q: Describe the link between sexual harassment and sexual assault. A: Sexual innuendo and sexual harassment sets a tone of disrespect and objectification. When people are reduced to being objects, it justifies mistreatment of them and reduces empathy for the victim. Sexual harassment can create a hostile climate that fosters sexual assault. You can see it happen in the video as Barrows begins making sexual comments to Hansen, then eventually tries to touch her inappropriately. Q: What are some ways you can deal with someone sexually harassing you or a fellow team member? A: (Possible answers) Inform the offender, if you feel safe doing so. Document details of all incidents. File a formal complaint. Enlist an ally to talk to the offender, especially someone of equal or higher rank. Physical Unwelcome contact with another person Bumping, stroking, patting, hugging, grabbing, gesturing, etc. Blocking a person s path or hindering a person s movements Standing closer than appropriate or necessary 10 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 11

7 Page 12 Page 13 Soldier Training Discussion Guide Use these questions to prompt meaningful discussion about the scenarios and topics in the Soldier Training Video. Q: In the video, what warning signs should the Soldiers have noticed in order to prevent Alana s sexual assault? Do these signs always mean a sexual assault will occur? Have you ever observed such behavior yourself? A: PVT Walker was pressuring Alana to drink, flirting aggressively and pushing intimacy, and trying to isolate her from her friends. While these behaviors do not always mean a sexual assault will occur, they can still be warning signs and anyone who sees them should pay attention and prepare to intervene. Q: A majority of sexual assaults occur on weekends, involve alcohol, and involve victims and offenders who are acquainted. Discuss these facts. How does this knowledge change the way you think about sexual assault and prevention? A: (Possible answers) These facts shatter the common misconception that a rapist is a stranger who jumps out of the bushes; in reality, a sexual assault is more likely to be perpetrated by an acquaintance in a familiar environment. On the positive side, this means there are more opportunities for others to intervene. inconsistent with their words, who make sexual jokes, ignore or undermine the SHARP Program, or hold low expectations for Soldiers. Leaders and Soldiers can avoid this by living the Army Values and exemplifying the Army s standards for professionalism. Q: Inappropriate use of electronic communication is a growing problem. Discuss examples of inappropriate communication, and the consequences. A: Examples include taking or forwarding inappropriate s, pictures, or videos, or sexting. Some of these behaviors are punishable under UCMJ and can even require registration as a sex offender. Q: SARC/SHARP Specialist Jensen states most military victims of sexual assault are male. Discuss this idea. Does this fact surprise you? How can we support male victims? A: (Possible answers) Most people are surprised to learn many military sexual assault victims are male. This lack of knowledge creates a stigma, so many male victims fear their report will be disbelieved or their reputation will be harmed if they speak up. The more we recognize the experience of male victims, the more we can help them feel safe reporting their assault and seeking support. Q: LTC Welch states the silent majority do not approve of sexual harassment or sexual assault. Discuss this idea. How can one person speaking up change other people s willingness to intervene? A: (Possible answers) Studies show that many people choose not to intervene because they assume everyone else is comfortable with the questionable behavior, when in reality a silent majority oppose it. When one person speaks up, it lets others know they are not alone and that they can make a difference. Q: COL Jackson discusses toxic leadership. What does this mean, and how can Soldiers and leaders at every level avoid it? A: Toxic leadership is exhibited by leaders whose actions are 12 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 13

8 Page 14 Page 15 Leader Training Discussion Guide Use these questions to prompt meaningful discussion about the scenarios and topics in the Leader Training Video. Q: SGT Riggs tried to speak to his platoon at their level by acknowledging they might drink and party, but SGM Rodriguez says this is less effective. What would be a more successful approach? A: When leaders focus on negative actions, they normalize those behaviors so Soldiers may believe that is expected of them. By focusing on Army Values and desired behaviors instead, leaders can remind Soldiers of their responsibilities, goals, and potential. Q: As a leader, how can you communicate and reinforce the important message that Soldiers have a duty to intervene and protect their fellow Soldiers from sexual harassment and assault? A: (Possible answer) Establish a command climate of prevention that is predicated on mutual respect and trust, and will not tolerate any forms of sexual harassment including lewd, inappropriate jokes or comments. Q: SGM Rodriguez mentions victim blaming. What are some examples of victim blaming that you have heard? How can leaders combat victim blaming? A: Examples could include She shouldn t have been dressed so provocatively, he s gay anyway so he was asking to be sexually assaulted, or she was drinking too much. The best way to combat a victim blaming mentality is to shift focus from the victim s behavior to the perpetrator s behavior, and discuss what people should do rather than what they should not do. Q: Compare SGT Riggs safety briefings at the beginning and the end of the video. How would you feel differently if you were a Soldier receiving either briefing? A: (Possible answers) His first briefing objectified women, and may have made female Soldiers feel de-valued; in his second briefing, all Soldiers were equally praised for their good work and reminded of their commitments and potential. The first briefing focused on negative behavior as if that were the norm; the second set a high standard for continued good conduct. Q: How can one sexual assault affect a unit and mission readiness? A: Many people can be pulled away from work to respond to the sexual assault, the victim s needs, the investigation, and the legal process. Individuals in a unit are also often divided against one another and distracted by the incident. Q: Do you think sexual comments, jokes, and and/or gestures toward other Soldiers can create an environment where sexual assault is more likely to take place? Why? A: (Possible answers) Yes. Sexual comments and jokes are sexual harassment and set a tone of disrespect an objectification. When people are reduced to being objects, it justifies mistreatment of them and reduces empathy. 14 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Program 15