SR0062 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Sexual assault is a serious public health problem; along with unwanted sexual contact and verbal sexual harassment, sexual assault is a major human rights and social justice issue that affects millions of women, men, and children in the United States; and

WHEREAS, People of all genders and ages are victims of sexual assault; it is estimated that nearly one in two women and one in five men experience sexual violence, other than rape, throughout their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Sexual assault affects women, men, and children of all racial, social, religious, age, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in the United States; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual assault survivors frequently suffer from severe and long-lasting effects, including posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, major depression, homelessness, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and suicide; and

WHEREAS, It is important to recognize the strength and courage of the victims of sexual assault and acknowledge the challenges they face, along with their families and friends, as they struggle to cope with the reality of sexual assault; and

WHEREAS, It is also important to recognize the compassion and dedication of the individuals involved in addressing this public health problem and to applaud their commitment to foster healing and increase public understanding of sexual assault; and

WHEREAS, Many states and organizations join the effort each year to address the problem of sexual assault, to educate the public, and to advocate for the prevention of sexual violence; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 2019 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we wholeheartedly support State, national, and global commitment to bring awareness to the causes, effects, and prevention of sexual assault.