CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
PROCLAIMING APRIL 2026 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 every community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and assault and educate communities about how to be involved in prevention; and
WHEREAS, This year’s SAAM campaign theme, This year’s theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” celebrates the resilience of survivors and the communities that have worked for change; and
WHEREAS, Most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced contact sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew; and WHEREAS, Over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, 32.9% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence; and WHEREAS, 47% of all transgender people have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives; and WHEREAS, As we celebrate 25 years of SAAM, we recognize the work still ahead and together, we can continue to shift culture, strengthen prevention, and create a world free from sexual violence; and WHEREAS, By standing in solidarity, we can build a future free from sexual violence and create a world where everyone is safe, valued, and respected.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Jill McLewis, Mayor, on behalf of the entire City Council proclaim the month of April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and as such we must strive to create strong, connected communities that take care of one another and make decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of others to end sexual violence
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 7th day of April 2026.
Jill McLewis
Mayor, City of Sebastopol