Ten Defense Contract Management Agency victim advocacy and crisis response personnel recently attended training in Las Vegas where they learned advanced strategies to support survivors and strengthen the agency’s internal support networks.  

More than 2,000 professionals gathered July 21-23 at the National Organization for Victim Advocacy’s event themed “Why We Advocate: Stronger Together.” According to Cheryl Hendrix, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program manager at DCMA headquarters, representatives from the Department of War made up approximately 40% of the attendees.

“This training was a vital developmental opportunity to expand our capabilities,” said Hendrix. “By broadening our expertise into areas like the Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response program, we can provide immediate, comprehensive assistance for stalking, harassment and domestic or dating violence.”

The workshops covered a variety of topics, including the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in victim services to shorten response times and ways perpetrators leverage social media to target victims. For attendees on the front lines of agency operations, the training also provided practical methods to align local advocacy with national standards set by the DOW SAPR Office, which administers the Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program.

“My most impactful takeaway was the emphasis on a ‘Stronger Together’ philosophy,” said Sherna St. Luce, a computer engineer and local SAPR victim advocate at DCMA Fixed Wing Marietta. “Witnessing how top-tier advocacy programs successfully merge mental health resources, legal support and command advocacy into a seamless service provided a clear blueprint that we can emulate to improve our local response times and care.”

Brenda Koboski, a manufacturing supervisor and local SAPR victim advocate at DCMA Aircraft Propulsion Operations Pratt & Whitney, said developmental training is vital for victim advocacy and crisis response professionals.

“Awareness is key to prevention,” said Koboski. “Identifying misconceptions and perceptions is crucial to understanding how to prevent sexual assault.”

The training event also served as a powerful space for personal reflection and connection among advocates and survivors. Koboski said Military Monday consisted of speakers addressing only DOW sexual assault and advocacy, meeting with other victim advocates, and hearing their stories and those of sexual assault survivors.   

“We heard survivors explain the challenges they faced and the resulting impacts,” said Koboski. “We also learned how these challenges help shape ongoing legislation changes.”

Margaret Smith, a management analyst and SAPR victim advocate with DCMA Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations Command, said hearing fellow survivors’ experiences was profoundly moving.

“It was an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow survivors and the dedicated advocates who champion this vital cause,” said Smith. “As a survivor, I was inspired by the incredible strength of those who have overcome immense adversity, and it was affirming to see how many draw strength from their faith on the path to recovery.”

The advanced strategies and insights the team gained will directly influence agency-wide resilience initiatives through the DCMA CARES Council, which includes representatives from across the workforce who champion employee morale, safety and well-being.  

“Our CARES Council is dedicated to staying at the forefront of employee wellness,” said Hendrix, a chartered member on the council. “The advanced strategies the 10 of us brought back from the conference will help shape key programs like the Workplace Violence Prevention and Response program. It’s about ensuring our people know what resources and benefits—such as Safe Leave—are available to support them through personal or professional crises.”

The workshops fostered critical team building among the agency’s advocates beyond professional development and strategic alignment.

“This training was key to moving our program forward in an environment where we’re not always able to meet in person,” said Hendrix. “We didn’t just build relationships and share best practices; we walked away as a cohesive team and as friends ready to deliver unparalleled support to our workforce.”

DCMA formed the CARES Council in 2021 to provide senior leaders with strategic initiatives and policy recommendations to safeguard workforce wellness. CARES stands for Cultivating an Atmosphere of Resilience through Education and Support. One of the council’s initiatives is the Get Help webpage, which offers resources for crisis situations and other emergencies for civilian and military members.