he Sexual Harassment/Assault
Response and Prevention Program
(SHARP)
Can a victim decline to participate in an investigation or prosecution after filing an
unrestricted report? - ANS - Yes. If at any time, a victim declines to participate in an
investigation or prosecution, that decision should be honored by commanders,
investigators, and all other personnel.
How are formal sexual harassment complaints be resolved? - ANS - Formal
complaints require specific actions, are subject to timelines, and require documentation
of the actions taken. The decision to file a formal complaint rests solely with the
complainant; however, the complainant must file a formal complaint within 60 calendar
days of the alleged incident.
(AR 600-20, para D-1.b(1) and (5))
How can informal sexual harassment complaints be resolved? - ANS - Informal
complaints may be resolved directly by the complainant or with the help of another unit
member, the company commander, or another individual in the complainant's chain of
command. Typically, those issues that can be taken care of informally can be resolved
through discussion, problem identification, and clarification of the issues. (AR 600-20,
para D-1a.(1))
How is culture change possible in relation to SHARP? - ANS - Culture change is
possible when leaders actively engage with their subordinates to ensure everyone is
aware of their role in protecting themselves and their fellow
Soldiers from instances of sexual harassment and sexual assault and the attitudes and
behaviors that may lead to such incidents
If a victim files a restricted Sexual Assault report, can they change it to an unrestricted
report? - ANS - Yes. If the victim files a restricted report, he or she can change to an
unrestricted report at any time.
Response and Prevention Program
(SHARP)
Can a victim decline to participate in an investigation or prosecution after filing an
unrestricted report? - ANS - Yes. If at any time, a victim declines to participate in an
investigation or prosecution, that decision should be honored by commanders,
investigators, and all other personnel.
How are formal sexual harassment complaints be resolved? - ANS - Formal
complaints require specific actions, are subject to timelines, and require documentation
of the actions taken. The decision to file a formal complaint rests solely with the
complainant; however, the complainant must file a formal complaint within 60 calendar
days of the alleged incident.
(AR 600-20, para D-1.b(1) and (5))
How can informal sexual harassment complaints be resolved? - ANS - Informal
complaints may be resolved directly by the complainant or with the help of another unit
member, the company commander, or another individual in the complainant's chain of
command. Typically, those issues that can be taken care of informally can be resolved
through discussion, problem identification, and clarification of the issues. (AR 600-20,
para D-1a.(1))
How is culture change possible in relation to SHARP? - ANS - Culture change is
possible when leaders actively engage with their subordinates to ensure everyone is
aware of their role in protecting themselves and their fellow
Soldiers from instances of sexual harassment and sexual assault and the attitudes and
behaviors that may lead to such incidents
If a victim files a restricted Sexual Assault report, can they change it to an unrestricted
report? - ANS - Yes. If the victim files a restricted report, he or she can change to an
unrestricted report at any time.
