May 2026 - Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Town of Arnprior Proclamation Sexual Assault Awareness Month - May 2026

Whereas Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to draw attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every community member;

and Whereas approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime; and Whereas most victims of sexual violence are under the age of 25, know the person who attacked them and do not report the crime to the police;

and Whereas victims of sexual violence are some of the most vulnerable and silent people in society and it is always the right time to ask questions to learn about the services for victims and their families;

and Whereas no one person, organization, agency or community can eliminate sexual violence on their own and we must work together to educate our community about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions;

and Whereas the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is a grassroots, community-run nonprofit organization that aims to support women who have been sexually abused through active listening, information sharing and providing connections to relevant resources across our region;

and Whereas the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is planning their 8th annual “We Stand with Survivors Campaign”. This campaign is the result of research completed in Renfrew County, and as a result, they have created a “Rural Model” for female survivors of sexual violence, that is built around “Awareness”;

and Whereas the “We Stand with Survivors Campaign” banner will be displayed at the Nick Smith Centre for the month of May to bring awareness to this campaign as well as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor of the Town of Arnprior, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the Town of Arnprior and urge all residents of our community to learn more about sexual assault, abuse and violence and become active participants in eliminating these crimes.