April is ‘Sexual Assault Awareness Month’

JUNEAU — As part of an annual national campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence across the nation, the Alaska Legislature has declared April Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Alaska via Senate Concurrent Resolution 20.

“Sexual violence is a very serious public health problem that affects millions of women and men in our nation,” said Sen. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage). “In the United States, one in five women and one in 71 men have experienced, or will experience, sexual assault during their lifetime. In Alaska, unfortunately, the rate is two-and-a-half times higher than the national average. Even worse, the statistics underestimate the problem because many victims do not tell police and they do not report it to family or friends.”

The resolution encourages Alaskans to acknowledge and speak out against sexual assault to help dispel the anger, self-blame, depression and anxiety that can be exhibited both emotionally and physically by survivors.