WHEREAS, Sexual violence or sexual assault, commonly defined as any sexual act without consent, is a global problem that exists in all communities, even ones as small as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
WHEREAS, Sexual assault is deeply rooted in certain beliefs, attitudes, and social norms that include the false belief that, in marriage, spouses are entitled to sexual intercourse with the other partner.
WHEREAS, Sexual assault does not discriminate. While some populations, like children, are more vulnerable, anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, socioeconomic status, or ability.
WHEREAS, The issue of sexual assault remains one that many are silent about, despite the fact that it is happening at incredibly high rates.
WHEREAS, Survivors are often made to feel shame and fear, making it extremely difficult for them to report the crime or seek other forms of assistance. In turn, the vast majority of sexual assaults are reported years later or not reported at all, leaving victims without justice and services.
WHEREAS, Sexual assault has a devastating and even lasting impact on victims and survivors. The impact includes psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor.
WHEREAS, The purpose of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to give hope and support to victims and survivors of sexual assault and to raise public awareness about the issue. Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides the resources everyone needs to act toward ending sexual violence. You can start by thinking about how to support all survivors and end victim blaming.
WHEREAS, This year’s theme is “Support All Survivors. End Victim Blaming!” Ending sexual violence starts with believing survivors and providing support that reinforces our belief in them.
WHEREAS, The 2023 theme calls on the community to recognize that their words and actions have an incredible impact on victims and survivors of sexual violence. These words and actions, if judgmental and blaming, can cause additional harm to victims and survivors and allow sexual violence to continue.
WHEREAS, According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, over 92-98% of reports of sexual violence are true so it is incredibly alarming that so many survivors are met with such extreme disbelief and even hostility. This reaction intimidates or shames them into silence. By simply saying, “I believe you,” you can be the reason survivors feel safe and empowered enough to seek assistance.
WHEREAS, Many dedicated citizens of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are working to provide quality services and assistance to survivors of sexual assault, through participating in the Sexual Assault Response Team, staffing a 24-hour shelter, answering calls on a 24-hour helpline, responding to emergency calls, providing competent and compassionate forensic exams, and offering support, comfort and advocacy during criminal justice proceedings; and
WHEREAS, We all must join with the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, the Division of Youth Services, and all other government and community-based organizations to increase sexual assault awareness, to support providers and volunteers, and to bring hope for healing to victims and survivors.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DAVID M. APATANG, Acting Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
I call on all citizens and communities to speak out against sexual assault and support local and national efforts that take part in ending such violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 3rd day of April 2023.
/s/
DAVID M. APATANG
Acting Governor
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