STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR
_____
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS SEXUAL
ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, sexual assault affects all communities in Maine and people of all races,
genders and economic backgrounds, and over 14,000 people in Maine are sexually assaulted
each year and one in 5 Maine citizens will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, the effects of sexual violence have wide-ranging public health ramifications
and societal costs, and survivors and their loved ones can experience consequences including
mental health crises, substance use disorder, homelessness, lost wages and health care costs,
among others; and
WHEREAS, sexual violence affects certain groups more often, and that disproportionate
impact is related to historical experiences of marginalization and oppression, providing
evidence that sexual assault is a tool of control and power; and
WHEREAS, systems of support for survivors of sexual assault often have inadequate
resources, do not provide adequate options for justice and healing and retraumatize survivors;
and
WHEREAS, widespread stigma and misconceptions around sexual violence result in low
rates of reporting of crimes, increased isolation and shame for victims and the continuation of
cultures of violence; and
WHEREAS, raising awareness in our communities about the causes of and solutions to
sexual violence can lead to long-term positive cultural and systemic changes, and building a
future free from sexual violence requires us to commit to making those changes; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Legislature now
assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this
opportunity to recognize April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to express our
support for and encouragement of all those affected by sexual violence; and be it further
RESOLVED: That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary
of State, be transmitted to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault as a token of our respect
and support.
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