Richmond, Va. –
Editor’s Note: The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. To honor the contributions of Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, DLA is highlighting those who work daily to support the agency’s global mission.
My name is: Katrina Leverette
I am: A sexual assault response coordinator at DLA Aviation in Richmond, Virginia
Describe Your Job in a Sentence: I support victims of sexual assault by finding the resources needed for maximum recovery, I train our team on making reports of sexual assault and I serve as the subject matter expert on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program for DLA Aviation.
How long have you worked at DLA? A little over 4 years.
What is your favorite thing about working for DLA? I love the versatility of DLA. There are so many roles that we play within the DLA enterprise and it’s wonderful to see how all of it works together to provide support to our warfighters.
How do you make a difference? I am giving a voice to the people who suffered in silence. I provide insight on victim-blaming, the importance of consent, and I encourage our team to have healthy interactions with one another. My goal is to help DLA to become an environment free from any sexually inappropriate behavior.
Why is it important that we have a SAPR program? Because we never want our team members to suffer. Everyone needs to know that they not only have a place to report discrimination or unfair work practices, but also an avenue to support their emotional wellbeing after traumatic events like sexual assault. We don’t want to pretend sexual assault doesn’t exist, but we want to encourage those who need help to receive it and maximize their recovery to ensure the DLA mission is accomplished.
What do you want DLA employees to know about the SAPR program? That there is an extremely talented and experienced team available to provide the support and assistance they need. Our job is not to judge but to help heal the hurt. We don’t promise the individual that they will never feel sad or angry, but we give them tools to better cope with the remnants of the assault.