April 2023, Sexual Assault Awareness Month Vrodamattolt
by the
01apor of the Citp of )Benton, Texag
To all to Whom tbea prezents; s;ball come,
Greeting.g:
WHEREAS, In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 33 men have been raped, and 1 in 4 girls and
1 in 6 boys is sexually abused by their 18th birthday. In fact, an individual is sexually assaulted
every 68 seconds; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault affects every adult and child in Denton County either as a victim/survivor of
sexual assault or as a family member; and
WHEREAS, few survivors of sexual violence seek help immediately after victimization due to shame or fear
of disbelief. In order to end sexual assault, we must alleviate these fears; and
WHEREAS, Denton County Friends of the Family staff and volunteers provide comprehensive and
compassionate services to those impacted by sexual assault, including a Survivor Advocate
Team responding 24/7 to local hospitals and law enforcement agencies to support victims of
sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, April 2023 is the 21`anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in which Denton County
Friends of the Family will promote public understanding of sexual assault, publicizing their
services, emphasizing the need for increased community support for their agency, and to
increase awareness of needs of survivors.
NOW,THEREFORE, I, Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor of the City of Denton, Texas, do hereby declare and proclaim April
2023 as
"SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH"
in the City of Denton and encourage all citizens to learn more about the effects of sexual assault
and how to support survivors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official
seal of the City of Denton,Texas to be affixed this the month of April 2023.
GERARD HUDSPETH,MAYOR
ATTEST:
JESUS SAL AZAR,INTERIM CITY SECRETARY
B .