WHEREAS, on the 23rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Alaskans are reminded that we must continue to work together to prevent sexual assault and increase public awareness of the support groups that provide resources to survivors and those at risk; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault violates a person’s sense of dignity, security, trust, and privacy, and is a devastating crime that affects people of all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds in every community in Alaska, leaving lasting emotional, physical, and psychological scars; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Felony Level Sex Offenses Report shows that 1,370 incidents were reported throughout the State in 2022, and further defined that more than 59 percent of all reported victims were juveniles; and
WHEREAS, every Alaskan deserves to live free of harm and without fear of sexual assault or abuse, and no one has the right to force, threaten, coerce, or manipulate anyone into sexual activity; and
WHEREAS, Alaska continues to make strides enforcing and prosecuting sexual assault and we will continue to work toward reducing and preventing sexual violence in our State.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as:
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
in Alaska and ask all Alaskans to come together to stand against sexual assault in our homes and communities, commit to keeping our citizens safe, and increase support to victims and survivors of sexual assault.
Dated: April 1, 2024
