WHEREAS, sexual violence is a broad term that includes all unwanted sexual contact, including both physical and non-physical, and is a serious public health issue that affects all communities and citizens of North Dakota; and

WHEREAS, national data shows that more than one in three women and nearly one in four men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetime, and one in ten children will experience physical contact sexual abuse before age 18 often resulting in long-term effects that can impact individuals, families, communities, and society at large; and

WHEREAS, in 2022 in North Dakota, 1377 primary victims and 323 secondary victims of sexual assault were served by 18 domestic violence and rape crisis centers, with at least 298 primary victims under the age of 18 years old at the time of the assault; and

WHEREAS, state, local, and tribal governments, victim service providers, criminal justice officials, schools and concerned citizens across the state are working to improve policies and practices that promote healthy relationships, respect, and consent, and to educate persons on how to intervene to stop harmful behavior; and

WHEREAS, there is compelling evidence that we can be successful in reducing sexual harassment, abuse, and assault through a variety of prevention strategies tailored to diverse local communities and culturally specific groups, which includes increasing awareness, supporting victims, and holding offenders accountable; and

WHEREAS, prevention is possible and simple acts can make a difference; Jamestown residents are encouraged to have informed conversations, learn the skills needed to be an active bystander and challenge social norms that enable sexual harassment, abuse, and assault; and

WHEREAS, April has been designated nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is intended to remember the victims of sexual assault, celebrate the survivors and work together to identify and eliminate sexual violence in our community.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Dwaine Heinrich, Mayor of Jamestown, North Dakota, do hereby proclaim that forevermore, the month of April 2023, be known as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in the city of Jamestown, North Dakota.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have here unto set my hand and caused to be affixed the official seal of the City of Jamestown, North Dakota on this 6th day of April 2023.

Mayor Heinrich