Posted on Dec 27, 2013

Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention

MSG Martinis Butler

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I am a Unit Victim Advocate within my
battalion in which I strongly support the SHARP program. It’s being pushed
throughout the military that we must treat the victim and the perpetrator
equally and not play the judge or jury if they are both among our ranks. Honestly,
what would be your view toward them both if they were to remain working within
your ranks?<o:p></o:p>

Posted in these groups: E1688309

SHARP

Equality

Honesty

Posted 11 y ago

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Responses: 13

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CH (CPT) Heather Davis

Posted 11 y ago

SFC Butler: Respectfully, you are held at a higher standard, and it is imperative to be neutral and objective. I am a Chaplain and I came in as an
E-1, and I will share with you that the truth does not always immediately reveal itself. I have personally witnessed those that we thought were innocent were not. When we do not have a relationship with
others, we often label them. That is why it is imperative that we create an environment of professionalism and to bring in resources like the Chaplain. This provides a safe place to reflect and vent for those that are impacted in the work place.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted 11 y ago

SFC Butler,I am also a UVA and a senior paralegal NCO who has worked both prosecution and defense. While I understand the points of view expressed here, I have to agree that you cannot rush to judgment. An allegation is an allegation until its proven in a court. Regardless of what you know or how you feel towards the alleged offender - its gotta stay inside. I have had several cases that I worked that - because the unit failed to squash inappropriate treatment of the accused (ie: Peyote Platoon) - the Soldier ended up with a substantial amount of time credit towards his sentence. Even moving an accused Soldier to a different can have unpleasant repercussions with the pending case.

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CH (CPT) Heather Davis

11 y

SFC Crum: Respectfully, you bring up an interesting view the truth is never that transparent. The layers of a toxic environment hide many layers of psychological trauma.

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1SG (Join to see)

Posted 11 y ago

I see many great points on this thread. What I haven't observed is the balance in the system. I have observed, First Hand, a Soldier that made an accusation in order to take advantage of the SHARP Expedited Transfer Policy. CID talks about escalating behavior for criminals and perpetrators. The Soldier that made the accusation had 3 unfounded reports before escalating her complaint against a senior leader. That leader fully supports the SHARP program, was suspended from their position during the investigation, and, 6 months later, is still under investigation. The accuser wanted to change her next duty station and build a case for herself for PTSD as a victim. She received her expedited transfer and continues to abuse the system. 1SG Rink nailed it when he said there isn't always a textbook answer. All leaders can do is enforce standards, trust in the system, and lead by example, especially during this time of transitioning the combat arms MOSs to a modernized, cohesive, integrated fighting force! See you on the high ground!

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