The Morgan County Commission issued a proclamation making April in the county designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They approved the effort at their March 18 meeting in response to a request from victim advocates from the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC).
“For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has supported survivors, raised awareness, and inspired action to prevent sexual assault, abuse and harassment. As we reflect on how far we have come, we also recognize the work that lies ahead,” the proclamation says. “Prevention starts with all of us. It is how we support one another, practice conset, and create spaces rooted in care and respect. When we act with intention, we move closer to a future free from violence.”
In asking county officials to support the awareness month, EPEC Outreach Director Nichole Brohm shared that one in three women and one in six men in West Virginia would be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime.
Among the statistics shared with the proclamation is the fact that sexual assault is most often experienced at the hands of a known person.
“Most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced contact sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew,” the proclamation says.
“By standing in solidarity, we can build a future free from sexual violence and create a world where everyone is safe, valued, and respected.”
