TITLE
Title
PROCLAIM APRIL 2016 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Kay Cashion
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
Whereas, incidences of sexual violence and child abuse are widespread and impact every community member of Guilford County; and,
Whereas, sexual violence and child abuse are a public responsibility affecting both the current and future quality of life of Guilford County; and,
Whereas, rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment adversely impact our community. Nationally, one in six women and one in 33 men will be victim of rape, or attempted rape, at some point in their lives; and
Whereas; child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority to confront the reality that one in six boys and one in four girls will experience a sexual assault before age 18; and
Whereas, the Guilford County Family Justice Center works with community partners specializing in providing crisis response, advocacy and support to child and adult victims of abuse and sexual violence, which includes the Department of Health and Human Services, local law enforcement, Family Service of the Piedmont, Kellin Foundation's Child Response Initiative, Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina, District Attorney’s Office, and Cone Health’s Sexual Assault Forensic Nursing Program; and
Whereas, many organizations provide critical support to children and families and local statistics for 2015 include over 5,600 reports to DHHS for suspected child abuse and neglect, involving 10,600 children, 235 forensic interviews of children suspected of having been sexually or physically abused, and over 300 sexual assault exams initiated at Cone Health; and
Whereas, effective sexual assault and child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, human service agencies, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and
Whereas, with leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is evidence that we can be successful in preventing sexual violence and child abuse in Guilford County through increased education, awareness, and community involvement; and
Whereas, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners supports the efforts of national, state, and local partners, and of every citizen to actively engage in public and private efforts to prevent both child abuse and sexual violence. Guilford County is committed to starting conversations, taking appropriate action and supporting one another to create a safe, stable and nurturing community for all.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners join advocates and communities across the country in playing an active role to prevent child abuse and sexual violence and hereby proclaim April as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” and “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the corporate
seal of the County of Guilford to be affixed, this the 7th day of April 2016.
Jeff M. Phillips
Chairman, Guilford County Board of Commissioners
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