Washington declares April sexual assault awareness month

WASHINGTON — Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist read a proclamation at a Washington City Council meeting April 16, naming April sexual assault awareness month.

The proclamation said sexual violence was “widespread and impacts every person in this community,” and said the city hoped to raise public awareness about the issue and help to prevent it.

Deanna Hansen, Washington County coordinator for the Iowa Rape Victim Advocacy Program, said such public declarations were helpful for the cause.

"While in the moment, at the city council meetings, there may not be a lot of people there, it does get out and the word spreads,“ she said. ”It can just spread the word so much.“

In Washington County, RVAP handled 116 cases for sexual assault victims last year, according to Hansen. She said the number represented roughly 20-25% of sexual abuse that happens, thanks to underreporting and stigmas against victims.

RVAP and Washington For Justice will host an educational program about sexual assault resources at the Washington Public Library Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Washington For Justice Director Dan Henderson said he appreciated the mayor pro tem’s proclamation.

“The intention of our group is to help create an inclusive community, and too many times women are not listened to, they aren’t paid attention to when it comes to things like sexual assault,” he said. “Just bringing it to the attention of the public is a real good plus, so we applaud you and the city council for that proclamation.”

RVAP is a sexual assault victim advocate and prevention education agency serving Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Washington and Van Buren counties. It has a 24-hour crisis line, available at 319-335-6000 or 800-228-1625.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com