Senator Breslin Urges New Yorkers To Raise Awareness and Promote Advocacy Regarding Sexual Assault

(Albany, NY) This April Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) is encouraging all New Yorker’s to take the time to recognize the significance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the ways in which awareness and advocacy can be reached not only in this month, but all year round.

 “Sexual violence is one of the most prominent safety issues for women not only in New York but throughout the country,” Senator Breslin said. “Having the proper resources and information readily available can make the difference between discouragement and empowerment and change feelings of oppression into strength.”

 In the late 1990s, many advocates began coordinating activities throughout the month of April on a regular basis, promoting an idea for a nationally recognized month for sexual violence awareness activities. From 2000-2001, the Resource Sharing Project (RSP) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) found that the color teal was the preferred color for sexual assault awareness and prevention and that April was the preferred month to coordinate national sexual assault awareness activities. As a result, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) was first observed nationally in April 2001.

 The 2013 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign focuses on healthy sexuality and its connection to child sexual abuse prevention. This April, join the conversation. Start talking about healthy childhood development to prevent child sexual abuse.

 Senator Breslin concluded, “Domestic violence is a intolerable reality that needs a cohesive voice in order to see real change in the future. I’m proud to stand up with my district and my conference to recognize the need to see domestic violence advocacy be heard in a stronger, louder, voice in order to promote hope in the future.”

While April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the http://www.nsvrc.org/saam web site is a year-round resource which is proud to support public and prevention education efforts to the general public.