Clermont County Commissioners join advocates across the country in playing an active role to prevent sexual violence. Yesterday, the Board of Clermont County Commissioners designated the month of April 2013 to be “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Clermont County, Ohio. During session yesterday, the President of the Board, Ed Humphrey, presented a Proclamation to YWCA of Greater Cincinnati Eastern Area representatives.
Photographed above from left to right: Theresa Singleton, Debbie Brooks, Julie Pedersen, Linda Cornwell, Katy Collura, Kate Lawson with the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati Eastern Area and Commissioner Humphrey.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to draw attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every community member of Clermont County and nationwide. Child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority to confront the reality that one in six boys and one in four girls will experience a sexual assault before the age 18 (Dube et al., 2005).
The Commissioners stated the county and local community members must work together to educate citizens about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions. Humphrey stated, “With leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is evidence that we can be successful in preventing sexual violence in Clermont County through increased education, awareness, and community involvement.”
The YWCA of Greater Cincinnati Eastern Area provides a range of services for sexual assault survivors in Clermont County, including court advocacy and emergency shelter. For more information and assistance, please call the YWCA’s 24 hour hotline at 1-800-540-4764. The YWCA also provides programming to Clermont County schools on sexual violence prevention through its Prevention Education program. Please visit the YWCA’s Facebook page to learn about their Sexual Assault Awareness Month events starting next week, https://www.facebook.com/YWCA.CINCINNATI.
The Commissioners strongly support the efforts of national, state, and local partners, and of every citizen, to actively engage in public and private efforts to prevent sexual violence. The Commissioners urged citizens to start conversations, take appropriate actions and support one another in order to create a safer environment for all.
