April proclaimed Sexual Assault Awareness Month

WASHINGTON — Tuesday evening, Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month on behalf of the City of Washington.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in this community,” the proclamation states. “The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.”

According to Youngquist, the city received a request from the agencies to issue the proclamation and felt this presented an opportunity for the city to inform residents of their commitment to this cause.

“Anything that involves the protection and safety of the citizens of Washington is a concern to us,” Youngquist stated. “We wanted to put it out there about where we stand.”

According to Youngquist, the Washington Police Department actively watches for these crimes and actively tries to prevent them.

The proclamation states that one in five women and one in 67 men will be raped at some point in their lives.

One in five boys and one in four girls will experience sexual assault before age 18.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program states that between 14-25% of women endure sexual assault by intimate partners during their relationships.

According to the proclamation, the theme for this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign, “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity,” challenges individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change the systems to build equity and respect within the community, workplace, and the future.

“Systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, and others contribute to higher rates of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse,” The National Sexual Violence Resource Center states.

By signing the proclamation, Youngquist offered her agreement for the Washington community to “join advocates and communities across the county in taking action to prevent sexual violence.”

With this proclamation, the City of Washington urges “all people to work together to create change and prevent sexual assault in our community.

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) provides opportunities for activism through volunteering, support groups, and counseling and other options.

Victims and survivors of sexual assault can contact DVIP at 1-800-373-1043 or RVAP at 800-228-1625

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com