Shoreline mayor proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month with community support

The Shoreline City Council has officially proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a significant step in raising awareness and promoting prevention efforts within the community. Mayor Christopher Roberts made the announcement during the council's regular meeting, emphasizing the alarming statistics surrounding sexual violence. He noted that over 53% of women and 29% of men in the United States report experiencing contact sexual violence in their lifetimes, highlighting the urgent need for community action.

Keith Kee Klug, the executive director of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KSARC), accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization. He expressed gratitude for the council's commitment to addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors. Klug pointed out that marginalized communities, including people with disabilities and those from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, face even higher risks of sexual assault.

During the meeting, Klug shared that KSARC has assisted over 4,300 survivors and their families in the past year, with nearly half of those clients being teens and children. He stressed the importance of providing support to survivors, as the trauma of sexual assault can have lasting effects on their mental and physical health, as well as their ability to form healthy relationships.

The proclamation aims to foster a safer environment for all residents of Shoreline, encouraging community members to engage in conversations about sexual violence and support those affected. Klug concluded by reminding attendees that free and confidential help is available through KSARC's 24-hour resource line, reinforcing the message that open dialogue is essential in combating sexual violence.

This proclamation marks a pivotal moment for Shoreline, as the city joins efforts across King County to create a more informed and supportive community for survivors of sexual violence.