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Sharp Essay BLC v2
Sharp Essay BLC v2
The purpose of this essay is to address why the number of sexual assaults
continue to increase in the Army. Sexual assault is an ongoing problem since the Army
was created in 1775. Sexual assault creates distrust within organizations and prevents
service members (SM) from focusing on missions. According to the United States
program, 7.1 in every 1,000 SM’s were sexually assaulted in 2021. Only one in five
The reason why sexual assault occurs in the Army is based on both subordinates
and superiors. Both sides stem from environments of SM’s and psychological problems
they may have. Toxic environments promote SM’s to think negative actions are okay.
Quid-pro-quo and hostile environments that target the SM’s livelihood or career can
result in sexual assault. Oftentimes, sexual assault and even rape happens when
alcohol is involved (United States Army 2023). Environments are also based on support
systems and authorities. The lack of either can promote negative behavior.
Psychological problems can stem from mental health issues that result in sexual
assault. Lack of discipline, differences in their upbringing, and cultural differences can
Our current approach to training reduces risk of sexual assault and harassment.
negative behavior. Checks and balances between SM’s ensure that they look after one
another. SM’s who are educated on the subject can recognize signs and stop sexual
harassment and assault from happening. The approach also focuses on creating
necessary resources for victims to report incidents and receive the help they need.
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Incident numbers continue to increase, not because there are more incidents, but
because victims are more comfortable with reporting. The Sexual Harassment/Assault
Response and Prevention (SHARP) program in the Army provides victims of sexual
harassment and assault resources following an incident. SHARP also allows victims to
Unfortunately, sexual violence in the military will never end, but we can do our
best to prevent it from happening. SM’s must continue to receive the proper education
and training to stay aware. Having the right resources available for victims is key.
Sexual violence can be fought by creating the right non-toxic environment and having
strict consequences.
Addressing these issues explains why the number of sexual assaults continue to
increase in the Army. Sexual assault stems from a variety of different variables such as
psychological issues, environments, and situations SM’s could be placed in. Victims
should continue to have as many resources as needed when an incident does occur.
Our current approach of training to reduce sexual assault works. The approach only
works if we continue to educate and look after one another to prevent sexual assault
before it happens.
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References
Assault in the Military, Fiscal Year 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from
https://www.sapr.mil/reports.
United States Army. (n.d.). Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention.
https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/sharp/pages/prevention.html.