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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 or attempted rape at some time in their lives; one in three women and one in six men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime; and one in every seven victims of sexual assault is under the age of six.
Sexual violence thrives when it is not taken seriously and victim-blaming goes unchecked. Annually, rape costs the U.S. more than any other crime ($127 billion), and rape is the most under-reported crime, as 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police.
The District Attorney’s Office of Family Violence Prevention and the Solano Family Justice Center assist victims of sexual violence by providing multiple services directly and through partnering agencies all located under one roof. The SFJC also offers a safe and secure place for those exposed to sexual assault, as well as domestic violence, child abuse, and elder and dependent adult abuse. Ultimately, the goal is to break the cycle of violence by offering victims and survivors the opportunity to build hope and new futures free from violence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to present a resolution recognizing April 2019 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. However, this is not recommended, as this is a national awareness month which has been recognized annually in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION