April 16, 2012 - Cabarrus County

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTHPROCLAMATIONWHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to drawattention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and has publichealth implications for every community member of Cabarrus County;andWHEREAS, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment impact our community as seen bystatistics indicating that one in four girls and one in six boys will have experienced sexual abuseby the time they are 18; andWHEREAS, we must work together to educate our community about what can be done toprevent sexual assault and how to support survivors; andWHEREAS, staff and volunteers of anti-violence programs at United Family Services encourageevery person to speak out when witnessing acts of violence however small; andWHEREAS, with leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is compelling evidence thatwe can be successful in reducing sexual violence in Cabarrus County through preventioneducation, increased awareness, and holding perpetrators who commit acts of violenceresponsible for their actions; andWHEREAS, Cabarrus County strongly supports the efforts of national, state, and local partners,and of every citizen to actively engage in public and private efforts, including conversationsabout what sexual violence is, how to prevent it, how to help survivors connect with services,and how every segment of our society can work together to better address sexual violence.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners doeshereby proclaim the month of April asSEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN CABARRUS COUNTYand call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, elected leadersand businesses to be a part of the solution to end sexual violence in the community in which welive.Adopted this the 16 th day of April, 2012._________________________________Elizabeth F. Poole, ChairmanCabarrus County Board of CommissionerAttachment number 1C-7Page 45