2021 -- S 0820

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LC002683

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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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

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     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.

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LC002683

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