DLA - Defense Logistics Agency
05/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2024 08:20
DLA leaders affirm commitment to eliminating sexual assault, harassment
FORT BELVOIR, Va. -
Members of the Defense Logistics Agency can - and must - defeat sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace, the DLA director said before signing the agency's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Campaign Declaration April 30.
"Every member of the DLA team should feel safe in all of our workspaces from the risk of sexual assault and sexual harassment. That's our mandate," Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly said, adding that DLA leaders are committed to fostering a positive culture and preventing corrosive behaviors while eliminating sexual assault and harrassment from the ranks.
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The declaration calls on DLA employees to help prevent sexual harassment, sexual assault, retaliation and other harmful behaviors. Employees must also challenge inappropriate and threatening conduct and report witnessed transgressions.
Bethreece Cheek, program manager for the Defense Logistics Agency's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program; DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly; and Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Alvin Dyer, DLA's senior enlisted leader pose with the signed Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Campaign Declaration April 30, 2024, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Photo by Chris Lynch
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Though April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, the director said employees should remember their responsibilities all year long and treat each other with dignity and respect. He added that signing DLA's declaration on the eve of the observance's end signals DLA's enduring focus on awareness and prevention.
The declaration notes that sexual violence is a crime that hinders employees' ability to remain ready and resilient to fulfill DLA's mission.
"Sexual assaults affect one, hurt all, and will not be tolerated," the document says.
Simerly thanked DLA's sexual assault prevention and response team for hosting SAAPM activities and promoting awareness throughout the agency.
Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Alvin Dyer, DLA's senior enlisted leader, encouraged employees to report sexual assault and harassment whether it involves themselves personally or affects a coworker.
"We talk about DLA being a family, and as a family, we need to make sure we take care of one another and help everybody thrive," Dyer said.
The DLA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office is staffed with sexual assault response coordinators who are trained and credentialed to provide 24/7 support to victims worldwide. To report an assault or get more information, call the DLA SAPR hotline at 571-767-1133 or visit the DLA SAPR website.