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Agenda Item No. 5(C) CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION April 2015 is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month WHEREAS, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month to draw attention to the fact that sexual violence including rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment is widespread and impacts every member of our community; and WHEREAS, 1 in 5 women and 1 and 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are sexually assaulted during their time in college; and WHEREAS, child sexual abuse prevention and education must be a priority to confront the reality that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience a sexual assault before the age of 18; and WHEREAS, in California there were 9,714 forcible rapes in 2013 and 169 forcible rapes reported in Contra Costa County in the same year; with an increasing number affecting adolescents; and WHEREAS, we must work together to educate our community about sexual violence prevention, support our victims and speak out against harmful attitudes and action; and WHEREAS, many citizens of Contra Costa County are working to provide quality services and assistance to sexual assault survivors; and dedicated volunteers help staff 24- hour hotlines, respond to emergency calls and offer support, comfort and advocacy during medical exams, criminal proceedings, and throughout the healing process; and WHEREAS, staff and volunteers of Community Violence Solutions and its Rape Crisis Center, Children’s Interview Center, Prevention Dept., and Anti-Trafficking Project programs in Contra Costa County are promoting education by offering training to schools, churches, and civic organizations, as well as medical, mental health, law enforcement, education, and criminal justice personnel regarding sexual assault issues; and WHEREAS, Community Violence Solutions requests public support and assistance as it continues to work toward a society where all women, children, and men can live in peace, free from violence and exploitation. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby joins the United States Government and State of California in proclaiming the month of April 2015 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and recognizes the important work peformed by anti-sexual violence advocates and support service programs in promoting the belief that all community members must be part of the solution to end sexual violence. Dated: April 21, 2015 Mark Friedman, Mayor