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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2019 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Solano County (Chairwoman Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2019 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Every April, in communities throughout the U.S., many motivated individuals, agencies, and organizations with a passion for sexual violence prevention take part in Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or SAAM. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. Although one month alone is not enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence, the attention that SAAM generates in April is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts throughout the year.
Although there are many ways to commemorate SAAM in our community, a resolution recognizing efforts being made is a key part in bringing forth awareness in Solano County, and shows support for victims and survivors in our county and nationwide. It is also imperative to provide the education needed to individuals on topics of consent and healthy relationships. The more we spread awareness and educate individuals, the more allies we have in the effort to support survivors and prevent sexual violence before it happens.
A sexual assault can happen anywhere and at any time. The majority of assaults occur in places ordinarily thought to be safe, such as homes and offices. Some assaults even occur in public spaces with multiple witnesses. Sexual offenders are "ordinary" and "normal" individuals who come from all educational, occupational, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 67 men in the U.S. have experienced rape o...
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