FORT BELVOIR, Virginia –
Ella Warren is DLA Energy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator. She joined the DLA Energy team in January as the lead for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.
Before coming to DLA Energy, Warren was the DLA Troop Support SARC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she built their SAPR program since its inception in 2016. Before coming to DLA in 2016, she worked for the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2016.
As the DLA Energy SARC, she is an advocate for and assists victims of sexual assault. Some of the services she provides includes:
- Provide Victim Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention
- Referrals to civilian and military (if applicable) medical facilities
- Mental health and social services resources
- Safety planning
- Referrals to civilian and military (if applicable) shelters
- Assistance in applying for civilian protection orders and command notification upon issuance
- Accompaniment to medical exams and/or to court
Warren is the subject matter expert for leadership tracking SAPR trends/systemic issues and promoting prevention methods to keep the workplace free from sexual assault. Throughout the month of April, during the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, she will be holding special events to educate employees and promote awareness of resources available across the agency.
“The SAPR program was put in place with civilian employees in mind,” Warren said. “We want to establish a positive working environment that is free of sexual assault. I also want employees to know that in the event an incident does happen, I’m here to offer victim advocacy services and support.”
When asked how she got in to this career field, she said she got into this career field to make a difference.
“I have always been a nurturer; it’s just who I am,” she said. “When I was active duty Air Force, my career field was medical where I worked in the hospital. My whole life has been centered on taking care of other people and I like to feel I am making a difference.”
Warren wants victims of sexual assault to understand that it is not their fault.
“You are not to blame for what happened,” Warren said. “No matter what anyone says or does, no one deserves to be victimized.”
She stressed that as a society we need to be supportive and not judgmental.
“We need to show victims of sexual assault that we care,” she said. “I take that job very seriously.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, the best resource is the DLA SAPR Hotline at 800-841-0937.