Leslie Davila

Director of Special Services

Leslie Davila is the Director of Special Services within the Division of Public Safety. Special Services is a confidential resource that provides support, options counseling, and medical and court accompaniment to all Penn affiliates. Special Services offers 24/7 on call support, providing critical care to all Penn affiliates for criminal and medical emergencies, Title IX related offenses, and other personal crises. Special Services also specializes in providing tailored Public Safety presentations to the Penn community as well as provides free self-defense courses for all Penn affiliates.

Leslie joined the Division of Public Safety in January 2026. Leslie has extensive experience in trauma-informed and compassionate support to victims/survivors in Philadelphia. While she started her career in the Victim-Witness Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, she most recently has served as Director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection for the Archdiocese. She has presented and trained groups on a variety of issues, including the intersection of trauma, mental health and first responders; trauma and grief; and the impact of trauma on indirect victims.

About Special Services

The Special Services team provides 24/7 support services to members of the Penn community who have experienced any type of crime. A prominent part of Special Services’ operations is investigation, support, and transparency related to interpersonal violence and sensitive crimes such as rape, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, harassment, and stalking. The Special Services team also responds to critical incidents to address and alleviate community distress.

Learn More

Special Services Safety Resources Self-defense and empowerment courses