Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed April Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The designation calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in this community.
The proclamation aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.
The proclamation was accepted by Darlene Thomas, President of the Key West chapter of the National Organization for Women; Christine Depre, Florida Council Against Sexual Violence; Cheryl Bradley, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner; and Anne Tapley, Christina's Courage.
“Sexual assault can really have a traumatic effect," said Depre, "and the aftermath can be crippling.”
She noted that Christina's Courage provides free services for the victims of sexual assault, ranging from testing to counseling.
Nationally, one in five women and one in 67 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Additionally, child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority for all genders. Incidents of sexual assault have increased on school campuses and in the military.
"Our words shape the world around us," reads the proclamation. "Whether you speak out against locker room talk or help someone better understand these issues, your voice is powerful and necessary in this conversation."
