Federal Way proclaims April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Federal Way City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, featured a significant proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Council member Honda introduced the proclamation, emphasizing the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of sexual violence in the community.

Maddie Nelson, a representative from the King County Sexual Assault Research Center, was invited to the podium to receive the proclamation. The document highlighted alarming statistics, noting that someone is sexually assaulted in the United States every 68 seconds. It pointed out that sexual violence affects everyone but disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, including Black and Indigenous people, those living in poverty, LGBTQ+ individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The proclamation underscored the importance of community support for survivors, stating that while the trauma of sexual assault may never fully disappear, healing is possible with the right resources and support systems. It called for a collective effort to combat the underlying issues of racism, sexism, and oppression that contribute to sexual violence.

In conclusion, the City Council's proclamation aims to foster a safer environment for all residents of Federal Way, encouraging community members to work together to disrupt harmful attitudes and behaviors associated with sexual violence. The commitment to awareness and support for survivors marks a crucial step towards addressing this critical issue in the community.