In the near future, we will introduce a resolution declaring April 2026 as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

Sexual violence has continued to be a serious social and public health issue in the United States. Everyday across the United States, thousands of people are affected by rape and sexual assault regardless of their demographic background. These experiences can be devastating for the survivor, as well as the survivor’s family and friends.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), a division of Respect Together, nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the United States are victims of rape. Over 53% of women and over 29% of men report experiencing contact sexual violence. Furthermore, members of marginalized communities are overly represented as victims of sexual violence. For example, 47% of transgender people report having been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Additionally, 29% of black women report being raped in their lifetime while 33% of adults with intellectual disabilities are estimated to have experienced sexual violence. Finally, the estimated lifetime cost of rape is $122,461 per victim including legal and medical costs and lost productivity without even factoring the severe emotional and psychological toll to which no cost truly can be assigned.

This resolution also highlights the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), a division of Resect Together, which has advocated for the rights and needs of the Commonwealth’s sexual assault victims for over 50 years. PCAR is a coalition of rape crisis centers serving all 67 counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The mission of PCAR is to work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of victims of sexual assault. This resolution honors PCAR’s steadfast commitment to bringing help, hope, and healing in the Commonwealth around issues of sexual violence.

Both PCAR and the NSVRC have designated the theme for 2026 as “Looking Back, Moving Forward” recognizing the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and honoring the history and growth of the movement to end sexual violence while reaffirming our commitment to a safer future for all. Looking back, we remember the survivors and advocates who laid the foundation for change. Moving forward, we renew our focus on prevention, healing, and action.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important resolution.