Proclamation - Sexual Assault Awareness Month (May 2024)

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 the prevalence of all gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, has tragically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; 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;

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor of the Town of Arnprior, do hereby proclaim May 2024 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.

Lisa McGee, Mayor
Town of Arnprior