3.1 Proclamation Sexual AssaultPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, sexual violence is a widespread, preventable, public health problem in Kansas; and
WHEREAS, sexual violence is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will, which
includes sexual assault, rape, unwanted touching, threatened sexual violence, exhibitionism, and
verbal sexual harassment; and all types of sexual violence involve victims who do not consent, or
who are unable to consent, or who refuse to allow the act; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 6 men experience some form of contact sexual violence
in their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, one incident of rape was reported to Kansas law enforcement every 7 hours,
40 minutes, 39 seconds; and
WHEREAS, these statistics do not represent the true prevalence of sexual violence due to
underreporting; and sex offenders often target people they perceive as vulnerable, less powerful,
or less credible; and
WHEREAS, the offender is known to the victim in the vast majority of cases — 80% in Kansas; and
WHEREAS, the effects of sexual violence may be felt directly after or for many months or years
later; and confusion, anger, sadness, shame, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, and self -blame are
all common reactions to sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas, also known as DVACK, provides
24/7/365, free and confidential services to victims of sexual violence in the City of Salina, KS; and
WHEREAS, DVACK advocates are available 24/7 at (785)827-5862 or toll free at 1-800-874-1499.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Trent W. Davis, M.D., Mayor of Salina, KS, do hereby proclaim the month of
April 2022 as
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
in the city of Salina, Kansas and urge citizens to participate in this observance.
Dated this 18' day of April, 2022.
Trent W. Davis, M.D., Mayor