PRINTER'S NO. 1502
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
256
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY TARTAGLIONE, BARTOLOTTA, CAPPELLETTI, SCHWANK,
COLLETT, COMITTA, L. WILLIAMS, MUTH, BOSCOLA, HAYWOOD,
STREET, FONTANA, KANE, SANTARSIERO, HUGHES, SAVAL, CULVER,
COSTA, BREWSTER AND DILLON, APRIL 5, 2024
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 5, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2024 as "Sexual Assault Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, April is nationally recognized as "Sexual Assault
Awareness Month" to call attention to the fact that sexual
violence is widespread and impacts every community; and
WHEREAS, April 2024 marks the 23rd anniversary of the
designation of "Sexual Assault Awareness Month"; and
WHEREAS, Rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment have a
deep physical and emotional trauma on those who have experienced
it; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Sexual Violence Resource
Center, rape in the United States occurs more frequently than
the public realizes, as one in five women and one in 71 men have
been raped in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Eighty-one percent of women and 43% of men reported
experiencing some form of sexual harassment and assault in their
lifetime; and
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WHEREAS, Lesbian and bisexual women may be up to three times
as likely as heterosexual women to report having been sexually
assaulted during their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, More than 90% of individuals with a developmental
delay or disability will be sexually assaulted at least once in
their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of false reporting for sexual assault
crimes is low and estimated between 2% and 10%; and
WHEREAS, For every 100 rape and sexual assault victimizations
of teenage girls and women reported to the police, only 18 lead
to an arrest; and
WHEREAS, Communities can support survivors by believing their
stories, showing respect and championing their individual
support networks; and
WHEREAS, Individuals speaking out against inappropriate
jokes, offensive gestures, harmful attitudes and unwanted
actions make a positive impact toward ending sexual harassment,
abuse and assault; and
WHEREAS, Consent and boundaries can be violated online in a
number of ways; and
WHEREAS, Individuals can work together to make their
communities safer by providing prevention education and
increasing public awareness to avoid future harm from sexual
violence; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2024
as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the 23rd anniversary of
"Sexual Assault Awareness Month" to empower more survivors and
their loved ones on their journey to help, hope and heal; and be
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it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage communities to understand
their role in ending sexual violence in Pennsylvania and the
United States; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage communities to commit to
make a difference to ensure that online platforms are safe and
respectful for everyone by practicing consent, keeping kids safe
and supporting survivors.
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