A Message from California Secretary of State Debra Bowen
What should move us to action is human dignity:
the inalienable dignity of the oppressed, but also the dignity of
each of us. We lose dignity if we tolerate the intolerable. – Dominique de Menil
With spring comes new beginnings and renewed commitments, including a renewed focus on preventing sexual assault. April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to bring public attention to the issue, support survivors and victims, and honor the people who provide crisis services.
In 2008 alone, 203,830 people over the age of 12 were raped or sexually assaulted in the United States, 81 percent of whom were female. Nearly half of those victims were acquainted with their attackers.
Shockingly, one of every five college women is sexually assaulted by the time they graduate. This year’s theme, “Prevent Sexual Violence… on our Campuses,” brings special attention to the disproportionately high rate of sexual violence against college students.
To find Sexual Assault Awareness Month events in your region and download campaign materials, visit www.calcasa.org and www.nsvrc.org/saam.
One of the easiest ways to help raise awareness wherever you are: start a conversation by wearing jeans on Denim Day. Set for April 22 this year, Denim Day is an annual expression of solidarity against sexual violence, bringing attention to the infamous 1999 Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans and, the court reasoned, invited the attack. More Denim Day details are at www.supportdenimday.com.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is also this month, starting April 18. For more information about activities contributing to fairness, dignity and respect for crime victims, go to www.ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw.
With thanks to every person raising awareness and preventing crime,
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