P R O C L A M A T I O N
DECLARING APRIL 2024 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in the community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities about how to prevent it.
WHEREAS, systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, etc. contribute to higher rates of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.
WHEREAS, more than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime (Rosay, 2016).
WHEREAS, 1 in 3 Hispanic women (84.3%) reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022).
WHEREAS, 32.9% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence (Tomsa et al., 2021).
WHEREAS, 47% of all transgender people have been sexually assault at some point in their lives (James et al., 2016).
WHEREAS, not one person, organization, agency or community can eliminate sexual assault their own—with leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is compelling evidence that we can be successful in reducing sexual violence in the City of Fort Bragg through prevention education and increased awareness.
WHEREAS, Project Sanctuary’s mission is to provide trauma informed, supportive services, by offering a 24-hour hotline to victims/survivors, responding to emergency calls, offering support and comfort during medical exams, criminal proceedings, and empowering those impacted by sexual assault to chart their own journey for healing.
WHEREAS, ending sexual violence in the City of Fort Bragg means that we must strongly support the efforts of national, state, and local partners, and of every citizen to actively engage in public and private efforts, including conversations about what sexual violence is, how to prevent it, and how to help survivors connect with services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Bernie Norvell, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, join not only Project Sanctuary, but advocates and communities across the country in taking action to prevent sexual violence by proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
SIGNED this 8th day of April, 2024
ATTEST: BERNIE NORVELL, Mayor
DIANA SANCHEZ; City Clerk
No. 07-2024