Florida Senate - 2021 (NP) SR By Senator Cruz 18-03372-21 20212040__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Senate Resolution A resolution recognizing April as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Florida. 3

WHEREAS, the recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every community in Florida, and

WHEREAS, the recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month raises public awareness about sexual violence; provides opportunities to educate the public about the impacts of sexual assault not only on the person assaulted, but on his or her loved ones and society as a whole; and encourages a community response to sexual violence, and

WHEREAS, in 2021, the focus of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in this state is “I AM,” which recognizes and honors the differences in victims’ and survivors’ backgrounds, healing processes, and outlets and the choices of affected individuals regarding how they want to present and identify themselves to the world, and

WHEREAS, addressing sexual violence requires public engagement and action in calling out abuse, reinforcement of the anti-sexual violence movement and victim advocacy in the community, and support of survivors and the organizations that serve them, and

WHEREAS, the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence is the statewide resource on best practices for responding to victims and survivors of sexual violence and certifies the sexual assault programs in this state which provide confidential, 28 trauma-focused services to survivors of sexual violence Florida Senate - 2021 (NP) SR 2040 18-03372-21 20212040__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. regardless of when the victimization occurred and whether the assault was reported to law enforcement, and

WHEREAS, all Floridians have a part to play in protecting those who have been harmed by these traumatic assaults, NOW, 33 THEREFORE, 34

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 36 That April is recognized as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Florida. 39