TITLE
Title
PROCLAIM APRIL 2025 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN GUILFORD COUNTY
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Kay Cashion
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PROCLAMATION
Proclamation
WHEREAS, sexual violence is defined as any unwanted sexual contact, verbal or physical, including sexual assault, harassment or abuse that can occur in-person, online or through technology, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center; and
WHEREAS, consent is a clear, affirmative, voluntary, informed and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity and must be freely given, can be withdrawn at any time and cannot be obtained through force, coercion, manipulation, threats or intimidation; and
WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the impact of sexual violence in communities across the state and nation, raising public awareness and educating communities how to prevent it, and to support survivors; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault affects people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, yet it remains one of the most underreported crimes; and
WHEREAS, individuals from marginalized communities experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence and often have more limited access to services that support the meaningful pathways to healing and justice; and
WHEREAS, education and prevention are essential tools in reducing and ultimately eliminating sexual violence, as evidenced by research showing that increased awareness about consent, bystander intervention and health relationship skills reduce sexual violence perpetration by up to forty (40) percent; and
WHEREAS, the Guilford County Family Justice Center (FJC) assisted over 1,300 victims of sexual assault in 2024, providing them with advocacy, legal, medical and follow-up services, including crisis counseling and safety planning; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Guilford County FJC, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greensboro and High Point Police Departments, in addition to rape crisis advocates across the state remain committed to ending sexual violence in our communities by continuing to educate citizens and committing to effective violence prevention efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners proclaims April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Guilford County and encourages citizens to educate themselves and their families about consent, healthy relationships and bystander intervention in order to promote respect and care within our community.
ADOPTED this the 17th day of April 2025.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Proclaim April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Guilford County.
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