RICHMOND, Va. –
“Sexual assault is a devastating crime that has no place in our society, let alone within the Defense Logistics Agency. It erodes the fabric of our community, impacts mission readiness and jeopardizes the well-being of our most precious asset—and that is you.”
These are the words spoken by Air Force Brig. Gen. Chad Ellsworth, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s commander, during a recent Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month event, held April 2 in DLA Aviation’s Operations Center on Defense Supply Center Richmond.
This event is just one of the many events that Katrina Leverette, DLA Aviation’s sexual assault response coordinator, has scheduled throughout April to increase awareness of sexual assault and prevention and advance meaningful change in preventing and responding to sexual violence.
As DLA Aviation’s SARC, Leverette is the main point of contact for coordinating care for victims of sexual assault. She provides victim support, advocacy and referrals for resources and training for DLA Aviation’s 4,400 military and civilian employees.
“The goal is to make sure people understand that help is available,” Leverette said. “I want them to know that this is a safe place to come to, and there is someone who believes you and will support you through your recovery.”
Throughout April, members of the Defense Supply Center Richmond community can show support for sexual assault survivors by participating in the following events.
- Teal Tuesdays: Wear teal in observance of SAAPM.
- Wellness Wednesdays (April 16, 23): Get wellness support through stretching, outdoor workouts, meditation, etc. Sessions are held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The April 16 session will be held at the Red Brick Fitness Center, and the April 23 session will be in DLA Aviation’s Operations Center cafeteria.
- National Denim Day (April 30): Wear denim to show support for sexual assault survivors. Learn more about the origin of Denim Day at http://denimday.org.
- 5 K SAAPM Fun Run/Walk on April 30: Meet at 9 a.m. at the DSCR Pavilion by the elk pasture.
- Virtual SAAPM Teal Ribbon Relay: Participate in this relay throughout April by walking, running, biking, rowing, etc., individually or in groups. Each week, email total miles to Katrina Leverette at Katrina.Leverette@dla.mil.
For immediate assistance in the event of a sexual assault, contact the DLA SARC, available 24/7 at the DLA SAPR Hotline 571-767-1133 or DSN 392-767-1133.
For more information, visit the DLA SAPR website.