Since 2001, April has been recognized as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month to focus attention on this pervasive crime, educate communities and raise public awareness about sexual assault and how to prevent it. The cities of Charlevoix, Gaylord and the Village of Bellaire have proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These communities join others throughout the nation making similar proclamations.

The 2016 Presidential Proclamation indicates we all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault: “It’s on parents and caregivers to teach their children to respect and value others. It’s on teammates, classmates, and colleagues to recognize sexual misconduct and intervene to stop it. It’s on all of us to work for the change we need to shift the attitudes and behaviors that allow sexual assault to go unnoticed, unreported, and unpunished. During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, let us commit to being part of the solution and rededicate ourselves to creating a society where violence is not tolerated, survivors are supported, and all people are able to pursue their fullest measure of happiness without fear of abuse or assault.”

The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) provides support, advocacy and counseling services at no cost to survivors of sexual assault in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Last year the nonprofit organization provided direct services to 211 individuals affected by sexual assault, 52 of whom were age 17 or younger.

“Many thanks to the cities of Charlevoix, Gaylord and the Village of Bellaire for proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said Chris Krajewski, WRCNM Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Program Director. “Their actions help raise awareness of this issue which will ultimately lead to creating safer communities.”

For more information or support, call the WRCNM’s 24-hour crisis and information line at (231) 347-0082, (800) 275-1995 or visit wrcnm.org.