WHEREAS, on the 22nd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Alaskans are reminded that we must keep working together to increase public consciousness of this issue and reinforce the network of 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 victims are left with lasting emotional, physical, and psychological scars; and
WHEREAS, these devastating crimes affect people of all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds in every community in Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Felony Level Sex Offenses Report shows that 1,363 incidents were reported throughout the state in 2020, and further defined that nearly 53 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 in enforcement and prosecution of sexual assaults, 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 2023 as:
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
in Alaska, and ask that all Alaskans to come together to stand against sexual assault in our homes and communities, commit to keeping our citizens safe, and to increase support to victims and survivors of sexual assault.
Dated: April 1, 2023
