HR0186 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0186 LRB102 17956 ECR 24677 r

HOUSE 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, Sexual assault affects people of all genders and all racial, social, religious, age, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups; and

WHEREAS, Nearly one in five women and nearly one in 38 men experience completed or attempted rape during their lifetime; 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, One in three female rape victims and approximately one in four male rape victims experienced sexual violence for the first time between 11 and 17 years old; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual assault survivors frequently suffer from severe and long-lasting effects, including post-traumatic 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we support State, national, and global efforts that bring awareness to the problem of sexual assault, including the causes, effects, and means of prevention.