J 86: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 86 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, 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 2025, 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 2025, 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.