RICHMOND, Va. –
Activities promoting the education and prevention of sexual assault are ongoing within the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation community.
Katerina Leverette, Aviation’s sexual assault response coordinator, said the events so far have been valuable in spreading awareness of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to the greater Defense Supply Center Richmond team.
“Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention cannot be dwindled to one month, but we use this time to shine a special light on the degree of fortitude it takes to overcome this trauma,” she said. “We celebrate with the survivors and encourage continued healing, all while boosting prevention within our workforce.”
The month started with a SAAPM Resource Fair on April 3 in the headquarters cafeteria and a sponsored fitness class.
The following events are set for later this month:
- April 17 – L1FT Class, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15, RedBrick Fitness Center
- April 24 – National Denim Day; employees are recommended to wear denim. National Denim Day gained traction after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans, so she must have helped the person remove them. Communities have recognized various “Denim Days” to raise awareness. More information can be found at https://denimdayinfo.org.
- April 24, Annual 5K run/walk, 9 a.m., employees should meet near the gazebo on the DSCR Fitness Trail. An hour of admin leave has been approved for DLA Aviation participants.
DLA has an agency-wide information page for sexual assault awareness and prevention, found at https://www.dla.mil/Info/SAPR/SAAPM/.
Using monthly observances helps remind others about prevention efforts, said Leverette.
“It is important because we want always to create a culture that is proactive on eliminating occurrences of sexual assault within our workforce and give our team the tools needed to overcome trauma and step into the next phases of life confidently,” she said.
For more information about Aviation’s upcoming events or SARC matters, contact Leverette via email at Katrina.Leverette@dla.mil. Additionally, the DLA SAPR Hotline is available at 1-800-841-0937, and the Department of Defense Safe Helpful is available by calling 1-877-995-5247.