City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
Santa Maria
I-Amerita C
WHEREAS, National Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, people of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds fall victim to sexual violence, which is widespread and impacts every person in the community; and WHEREAS, rape and sexual violence of all kinds continue to occur at an alarming rate, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, emotional and physical scars resulting from sexual violence are often permanent; therefore, working together to educate the community about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions is so important; and WHEREAS, a coalition of organizations exists, that directly confronts this crisis, including North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, law enforcement agencies, churches, health care providers, and volunteers from the community that serve these agencies who are helping in the effort to end sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, prevention is possible when everyone gets involved by increasing education, awareness, and community involvement; recognizing the compassion and dedication of the individuals involved in this effort; and noting the challenges of the victims/survivors of sexual assault and their families and friends as they struggle to cope with the reality of sexual violence.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria, do hereby recognize April 2023 as:
"NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH"
in the City of Santa Maria, and encourage all residents and businesses to participate in a month full of recognition and activities promoted by the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center to increase awareness of sexual assault and to create solutions in an effort to eliminate sexual violence from this City.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 4'h day of April 2023.
Alice M. Patino, Mayor