R 183
2021 -- S 0820
Enacted 04/13/2021

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2021, TO BE "SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senator Tiara T. Mack
Date Introduced: April 13, 2021

     WHEREAS, Sexual Assault is a despicable crime that affects victims, families, and our
entire society. Tragically, crimes that are sexually violent in nature continue to rank among the
most prevalent in our society and create some of the most widespread public health problems in
our communities; and
     WHEREAS, Sexual assault affects every child and adult in Rhode Island as a
victim/survivor, or as a family member, significant other, neighbor, friend, or co-worker of a
victim/survivor; and
     WHEREAS, In the United States, nearly one in five women and one in 67 men have been
raped at some time in their lives. Additionally, one in six boys and one in four girls is sexually
abused before the age of eighteen; and
     WHEREAS, The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness
Month and the theme of this year’s campaign is "We Can Build Safe Online Spaces." The
campaign asks all of us to create online spaces that are built on the foundational values of
practicing consent, keeping kids safe, and supporting survivors of sexual abuse; and
     WHEREAS, We all must work together to educate our communities about what can be
done to prevent sexual assault, and how we can better support survivors with increased access to
medical care, counseling and support groups; and
     WHEREAS, With leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is compelling
evidence that we can be successful in reducing sexual violence in Rhode Island through
prevention education, increased awareness, and holding perpetrators who commit acts of sexual
violence responsible for their actions; and
     WHEREAS, It is essential to endeavor to hold forth a vision of a community free from all
forms of violence, including sexual violence; now, therefore be it
     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April, 2021,
to be "Sexual Assault Awareness Month"; and be it further
     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Caitlin Green of the National Sexual
Violence Resource Center.
========
LC002683
========