USACE Sexual Harassment Assault Response and  Prevention

USACE's SHARP Mission: The SHARP Program's mission is to reduce with an aim toward eliminating sexual offenses within the Army through cultural change, prevention, intervention, investigation, accountability, advocacy/response, assessment, and training to sustain an all-volunteer force.  

USACE’s SHARP Program Vision: A climate that promotes respect and dignity, free of sexual harassment and sexual assault for every employee, both military and civilian and the families of our military team members.  

USACE's SHARP Program Goals:

a) Reduce sexual assaults and harassment by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army family;

b) Reduce the stigma of reporting;

c) Increase prevention, investigation, and prosecution capability;

d) Increase training resources; and

e) Refine and sustain response capability.  

Reporting Options for Adult Victims of Sexual Assault

There are two reporting options for victims of sexual assault: Restricted and Unrestricted. The major difference  between these reporting options is that an Unrestricted Report will trigger an official investigation, include command involvement, and allow requests for an expedited transfer and/or military protective order, whereas a Restricted Report will not. Your SARC or VA can explain your options.

Restricted Report

Filing a Restricted Report allows you to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to a SARC or VA without notifying your command or law enforcement.

When you file a Restricted Report, you are eligible for:

• Medical treatment
  • Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
  • Counseling
  • Chaplain Services
  • Special Victim Counsel
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Victim Advocacy

You may change a Restricted Report to an Unrestricted Report at any time.

A victim can file a Restricted Report even if...
1. The sexual assault has been inadvertently or previously disclosed to command by the victim, suspect, or third party;
2. The matter has been reported to law enforcement, to include the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, by anyone other than the victim; or
3. An investigation is initiated, in progress, or closed.
Victims may elect to make a Restricted Report of sexual assault at any time, EXCEPT in cases where the victim:
• Personally reported the incident to law enforcement (including CID); or
• Previously filed an Unrestricted Report with a signed DD Form 2910 (the Victim Reporting Preference Statement) for the same sexual assault

Unrestricted Report

Filing an Unrestricted Report allows for an official investigation, command notification, and reporting to law enforcement. You can make an Unrestricted Report to a SARC, VA, law enforcement official, a commander, or health care personnel.

When you file an Unrestricted Report you are eligible for:

• Medical Treatment
• Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
• Counseling
• Chaplain Services
• Special Victim Counsel
• Legal Advocacy
• Victim Advocacy
• Command Support/Intervention
• Official Investigation

An Unrestricted Report also allows you to request protective and support measures like an Expedited Transfer or Military Protective Order. An Unrestricted Report cannot be changed to a Restricted Report.

Recognizing and reporting retaliation for an Unrestricted Report of sexual assault:
Retaliation may consist of the following acts:
• Reprisal
• Ostracism
• Maltreatment, including cruelty and oppression
Report Retaliation to the following:
• Brigade SARC
• Installation IG
• DoD IG Hotline: 800.424.9098
• DoD Safe Helpline: 877.995.5247
For more information on retaliation reporting options
visit https://www.safehelpline.org/experiencingretaliation-after-sexual-assault

Victim Reporting and Notification Process
When the victim discloses a sexual assault to...

If you experienced sexual trauma during your military Service, VA can help.

Free Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers free health care and other benefits for current and former Service members who experienced sexual assault, harassment or abuse during military service, also known as military sexual trauma. 

For Current Service Members

Current Service members (including current National Guard and Reserve members) can access confidential MST-related counseling at VA's Vet Centers without a referral and care at VA medical facilities with a Department of Defense referral. 

No Report or Evidence of MST Needed to Receive Care

No report or authorities or other documentation of the MST experience is needed to receive health care services.

For more information, scan the QR code, download the beyond MST mobile app, or visit/call:

www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mst
www.va.gov/find-locations
1-800-698-2411