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Page 1 of 1 Ogden City Council Meeting: March 21, 2017 JOINT PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 2017 AS “SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH” IN OGDEN CITY Action: None Summary Sexual assault is a significant public issue that harms our community and leaves a lasting mark on victims and their families. This joint proclamation raises awareness of sexual assault and recognizes the efforts of local organizations that are working to address this important issue. Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault Executive Director Turner Bitton and Weber State Women’s Center Director Stephanie McClure and Program Specialist Paige Davies will be present to accept the proclamation and say a few words on behalf of their organizations. It is also anticipated that representatives from other Weber State entities, Weber State students, and other community advocates will be in attendance. Council Staff Contact: Brittany Griffin, (801)629-8103 ---PAGE BREAK--- DECLARING APRIL 2017 “SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH” IN OGDEN CITY WHEREAS, Sexual assault is a significant public issue that harms our community and leaves a lasting mark on victims and their families. One in three women in Utah will experience sexual violence during their lifetime; one in eight women and one in 50 men will be raped. However, more than 88% of rapes are not reported to law enforcement. Rapes in Ogden and surrounding communities are equal to or higher than those reported statewide. In 2015, 116 rapes were reported to the Ogden Police Department; and WHEREAS, Data revealed in 2011 indicates that the costs of sexual assault in the state total nearly $5 billion. Utah spends more than $92 million on those who have perpetrated sexual violence, while only $16.5 million is spent on victims. The greatest cost is the pain, suffering and diminished quality of life that victims experience; and WHEREAS, People in Ogden and throughout the state are taking a stand against this atrocious crime. Since 1996, the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault has strived to establish programs for victims and work toward creating a society free from sexual violence; and WHEREAS, The Weber State University Women’s Center is hosting a ‘Take Back the Night’ rally, march and survivor speak-out on April 14th as part of the Safe@Weber Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services. This program is designed to protect WSU students against different forms of violence and strives to create a future where all relationships are healthy and built upon a foundation of respect; and WHEREAS, The YCC Family Crisis Center has an array of programs to support sexual assault victims. Ogden residents take action with the YCC’s Walk Against Sexual Assault. Several other Ogden-area resources exist to assist victims, including Sexual Assault Crisis Line, Intermountain Specialized Abuse Treatment Center, New Horizons, Weber County Attorney’s Office Victims Assistance Program, VINE, Utah Legal Services, Rape and Sexual Assault Ogden and YWCA ; and WHEREAS, We aim to foster a society where sexual violence is no longer tolerated, and we encourage individuals, families and businesses to take action to prevent this horrendous crime and support victims. NOW, THEREFORE, the Ogden City Council and Mayor Michael P. Caldwell do hereby proclaim April 2017: “SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH” in Ogden City. We encourage residents to join us as advocates for victims of sexual assault and to put an end to this horrific crime. We are grateful for the incredible efforts of the organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to cultivate a stronger, more caring and supportive community, and to protect our residents and future generations from acts of sexual violence. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of March 2017. Marcia L. White, Council Chair Mark L. Johnson, CAO ATTEST: Tracy Hansen, City Recorder