Fort Polk's SHARP program focuses on creating a safe environment for soldiers by preventing sexual harassment and assault, providing support to survivors, and promoting awareness through various events and initiatives. The program emphasizes respect, boundaries, and effective communication to maintain readiness and resilience within the military community.
Welcome to an inside look at Fort Polk's SHARP program, a vital initiative dedicated to fostering an environment of trust, dignity, and respect for every soldier. SHARP stands for Sexual Harassment, Assault Response, and Prevention, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the readiness, resilience, and leadership strength of the Fort Polk community.
Every soldier deserves to serve in a safe and accountable environment. When such a foundation is established, teams perform better, leaders lead more effectively, and families have confidence in the organization their loved ones serve. SHARP is more than just policy; it is about prevention, intervention, reporting options, and building a culture where misconduct is not tolerated and every voice is heard.
The SHARP program at Fort Polk has evolved over more than 20 years, originally focusing on sexual harassment prevention and later expanding to include sexual assault. It is unique among military branches for combining both harassment and assault prevention under one comprehensive program. The program operates under its own standalone regulation (Regulation 652), emphasizing its importance.
April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This year's theme is "Step Forward, Prevent, Report, and Advocate." Fort Polk hosts several events throughout the month to promote prevention and support survivors.
Pause to Prevention (April 9, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at ACS Prevention Center): This event highlights how service animals can support trauma recovery and foster connection. Live demonstrations will feature Sunny, a service animal from BJAC, and emotional support animals from the nonprofit Brother and Sisters in Arms.
Strikeout Sexual Assault (April 10, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Fort Polk Bowling Center): A bowling event with discounted rates to engage the community in sexual assault prevention activities.
Drive Out Sexual Assault: An event coinciding with the Commanding General's golf scramble.
Denim Day (Last Wednesday of April): Participants wear denim to support survivors of sexual assault. This tradition originated from a protest against an Italian Supreme Court ruling that blamed a victim's clothing for a rape case.
Guest Speaker - Obie West (April 13-14 at Bayou Theater): A spoken word artist will discuss emotional intelligence, contributing to the program's educational efforts.
Hygiene Drive: Collecting hygiene items to support military sexual trauma survivors through the VA.
Sexual assault is a crime with a clear legal definition, while sexual harassment is more subjective and based on an individual's perception of being harassed. The SHARP program encourages education to help individuals recognize inappropriate behavior and intervene early to prevent escalation.
The program promotes respectful communication, understanding boundaries, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable. It emphasizes that "No is a complete sentence," reinforcing the importance of consent.
Fort Polk provides a 24/7 hotline for reporting sexual assault: 337-718-7272. This hotline is staffed by credentialed advocates ready to assist survivors at any time.
The SHARP team offers various support options:
The program prioritizes the survivor's needs and healing journey without judgment or concern for collateral misconduct.
The SHARP program serves the entire Fort Polk installation, with offices located in multiple buildings including Building 330 (main office), ACS, Prevention Center, and BJACH hospital. The team is approachable and encourages community members to reach out via phone, email, or in person for information, support, or training.
The SHARP program aims to educate the military community on maintaining healthy relationships and respectful workplaces. It discourages inappropriate conversations and behaviors in the workplace and encourages taking such discussions to appropriate settings.
Fort Polk's leadership, including the Commanding General, actively supports the SHARP program. The month begins with a proclamation signing to reaffirm the installation's commitment to preventing sexual harassment and assault.
The SHARP program at Fort Polk is a comprehensive effort to ensure every soldier and community member serves in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Through education, prevention, advocacy, and community engagement, SHARP strengthens the readiness and resilience of the military community.
For more information or to get involved, contact the SHARP office at Fort Polk or visit their website to find resources and upcoming event details.
Until next time, remember that fostering respect and safety is a collective responsibility that benefits everyone in the community.
