USAMMDA SHARP Program Highlighted in April
The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and anyone driving around Fort Detrick this month might have noticed the informational signs placed around. These signs have different facts and statistics regarding sexual violence. This campaign is promoted by the Fort Detrick, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention program. Every organization in the Army utilizes SHARP and the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity in particular is proud of its extraordinary program.
The USAMMDA SHARP representatives are Jane Cook, regulatory affairs specialist, and Christina Benson, command support coordinator; both volunteered for this position and have since created an exceedingly successful program.
"I became involved in the SHARP program due to my interest in volunteering to support victims of sexual assault or domestic violence," said Cook.
Benson and Cook take this responsibility seriously, and must remain current with 32 hours of training, as well as providing quarterly trainings to the organization. They have created numerous informational materials for USAMMDA so every single person will know who to contact and how to react if faced with sexual violence in the workplace.
"Everyone should remember that abuse and assault can happen to anyone regardless of occupation, social status, gender, race or neighborhood," stated Cook. "I hope that Sexual Harassment & Assault Prevention Month raises awareness that prevention begins in our culture."
Col. William Geesey, commander of USAMMDA, believes the SHARP program is a great asset to the Command.
"It is important that we are all vigilant at all times and do our part to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault. We must keep this level of energy towards eradicating sexual violence year round," said Geesey.
Next time you are visiting USAMMDA, take a look at some of the informational SHARP handouts located throughout the building. Using the month of April as a catalyst for sexual violence awareness will assist with getting this important information into the hands of anyone and everyone who might need it.