Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, sexual violence is a serious and pervasive crime and in the United States alone, nearly one in five women, one in six men, and nearly one of every two trans and non-binary persons have been sexually harmed by someone at some time in their lives;

WHEREAS, these statistics are staggering and difficult to reckon with, each of these individuals is a person who is deserving of support, empathy, and healing;

WHEREAS, everyone has a right to be safe;

WHEREAS, ending sexual violence requires the leadership of all people who are survivors, support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, clear expectations, and collaborative efforts of public health officials and community members to enforce policies and encourage educational programs; it is important that everyone shares a strong conviction that sexual violence is unacceptable and is contrary to our values as members of the University of Arkansas community and larger public; and

WHEREAS, sexual violence remains one of the most prevalent, yet underreported crimes in the U.S., and in order to help our community, we provide, promote, and share safe reporting resources and a commitment against any form of retaliation for doing so;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the University of Arkansas proclaims the month of April to be Sexual Assault Awareness Month, recognizing the community effort necessary to end sexual violence, and support those who have experienced sexual violence, and showing support for the advocates and others that serve them during April, that we stand united in our commitment to end all forms of sexual violence;

AND we call upon University of Arkansas students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, campus law enforcement, health officials and all community members to speak out against sexual violence and support efforts within Arkansas to assist people who are survivors of violence and the healing they seek, and build a campus community of respect, compassion and safety.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the University of Arkansas to be affixed the 31st day of March, 2021.