Senate Resolution No. 240

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2023, as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and increase awareness of issues that are of significance for the
citizens of this great Nation and Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2023, as Sexual
Assault Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Sexual assault and sexual harassment harm our communities,
with statistics showing that every 73 seconds, an American is sexually
assaulted, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child; and

WHEREAS, Only five out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in
prison; and

WHEREAS, One in 33 American men have experienced an attempted or
completed rape in their life; and

WHEREAS, A majority of child victims are 12-17; of victims under the
age of 18, 34% of victims of sexual assault and rape are under the age
of 12, and 66% of victims of sexual assault and rape are 12-17; and

WHEREAS, 13% of all students experience rape or sexual assault
through physical force, violence, or incapacitation; and

WHEREAS, We must work together to educate our communities about
sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors and speaking out
against harmful attitudes and actions which condone sexual assault; and

WHEREAS, When we actively get involved we can prevent sexual
violence by increasing education, awareness and community involvement;
and

WHEREAS, It is time to create a safer environment in the workplace,
the community and the world for all; and

WHEREAS, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and each day of the
year is an opportunity to create change for the future; and

WHEREAS, Sexual assault is a horrific act of crime which deserves
the attention of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2023, as Sexual
Assault Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and to the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault.