LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 5, 2016, as Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Sexual
Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 5, 2016, as Sexual
Assault Awareness Day of Action in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(SAAM); the goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual
violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it; and
WHEREAS, Sexual assault and sexual harassment harm our communities,
with statistics showing that one in five women and one in 71 men will
survive a sexual assault in their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, Child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority to confront
the reality that one in six boys and one in four girls will experience a
sexual assault before the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, Young people experience heightened rates of sexual violence
and youth ages 12 to 17 were two-and-a-half times more likely to be
victims of rape or sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, On college campuses, one in five women and one in 16 men are
sexually assaulted during their time in college; and
WHEREAS, We must work together to educate our communities about sexual
violence prevention, supporting survivors and speaking out against harm-
ful 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 5, 2016, as Sexu-
al Assault Awareness Day of Action in the State of New York, in conjunc-
tion with the observance of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(SAAM); and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.