Page 10 - MidWeek Central - April 20, 2022

10 APRIL 20, 2022
Victim-centric Center Established At Schofield Barracks
On April 1, U.S. Army Hawai‘i established a new directorate as part of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program.
Directorate makes it easier for survivors to navigate what can be a complex process from making a report through case resolution and long-term recovery,” states Maj. Gen. JoeRyan,U.S.ArmyHawai‘i and 25th Infantry Division commanding general. “I be- lieve in the chain of com- mand, and reporting through the chain of command is still a viable option. That said, the Fusion Directorate model aims to increase transparency and efficiency by coordinat- ing survivor care providers, law enforcement investiga- tors and criminal prosecutors all into one organization.”
Jodee Watters, the director of the Fusion Directorate and lead planner, recently arrived in Hawai‘i to oversee the center’s opening, and began
managing the day-to-day op- erations to support victims.
It will focus on a vic- tim-centric model of care and support for survivors of sexual assault and empha- size prevention by providing comprehensive training and resources for units and their leaders.
“As part of the planned redesign of the Sexual Ha- rassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, the Army is establishing a victim-centered Fusion Di- rectorate designed to care for, protect and empower victims,” Watters states.
The Fusion Directorate, lo- cated on Schofield Barracks in Wahiawā, is a significant change being implemented as a pilot program at select loca- tions across the Army to ad- dress unacceptable behaviors among soldiers and Army families.
According to Watters, the Fusion Directorate will of- fer an additional reporting mechanism and services that are not only independent of the victim’s immediate com- mand, but in one central lo- cation.
“By consolidating services into one location, the Fusion
Army senior leaders will use the results of the pilot program to make informed decisions on if, and how, the program should be expanded Armywide.
Maj. Gen. Joe Ryan (standing), commanding general of 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawai‘i, addresses guests on April 1 at the new Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program Fusion Directorate at Schofield Barracks in Wahiawā. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. ARMY