EAST HARTFORD, Conn. –
Defense Contract Management Agency championed sexual assault prevention and response programs throughout the agency.
Two DCMA SAPR victim advocates, Brenda Koboski and Jacky Forcucci, organized an awareness walk, April 28, along the Connecticut River Trail as part of a continued effort to build and maintain the agency’s workforce awareness.
“It was an idea I had,” Koboski said. “There’s awareness walks for a number of other things, plus it’s a nice activity where we can get together with our co-workers outdoors and remind people that victim advocates are available.”
During the event, 10 volunteers supported 50 total participants from DCMA Aircraft Propulsion Operations, DCMA APO Pratt & Whitney, DCMA Collins and DCMA Hartford.
“Many participants were wearing teal to represent support for survivors of sexual assault,” said Koboski, who thanked agency team members who volunteered time and refreshments for the event.
The event included a resource table with SAPR program brochures and literature. A representative from the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, a local resource, was also on hand to answer questions about their statewide coalition.
“People were positive about the event and understood why they were there,” Koboski said.
Koboski said the senior leaders volunteered their time to walk the route with her on the weekend before the event, monitor the trail during the event, post and pick-up signs, and even pick up the pizzas for the volunteers and participants of the event.
“Senior leadership was fantastic with their support,” Koboski said.
Navy Capt. Michael McCurdy, DCMA APO commander, Peter Leahy, DCMA Hartford director, and Kevin Bartol, DCMA APO deputy, attended the event.
During his address to participants, McCurdy stressed the importance of the issue of sexual assault and encouraged them to always keep it in their minds.
At the end of the event, Koboski said she was excited to hear the entire group finish the line: “If you see something … say something,” one of the key messages delivered during SAPR training.
“Mission accomplished,” Koboski concluded.