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Johnson County proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Month; local advocates outline services and a full shelter
Summary
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April 2025 Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Local service providers briefed the board on expanded shelter capacity, outreach events and recent service statistics.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Johnson County.
Presenters from local victim-service organizations outlined events and services tied to the proclamation and described recent demand for services. Alta (title given as Director of Community Engagement) said the agency doubled shelter capacity through a new shelter expansion and highlighted several April events, including a Clothesline Project, a multi-county "stretch for survivors" on April 6, a "Shop for Survivors" drive on April 12 and a Take Back the Night rally on April 22.
Dr. Chelle Fijo, identified as Director of Sexual Assault Services, gave statistics and a brief performance summary: "So 1 in 5 women are victims of sexual assault with a physical component. 1 in 33 men are... and then 1 in 7 in the queer community." She said in the first quarter since a merge the organization responded to 58 sexual-assault victims and provided 607 services, including mobile advocacy, accompaniment to forensic exams, assistance with legal processes and ongoing support groups. Chelle said the agency will offer five biweekly support groups across five counties beginning in April.
During questions from supervisors, presenters said the new Terry Fortman shelter has been full for about six weeks; the facility was described as having 70 beds, with roughly half occupied by children at typical points in time.
Vice Chair V. Fixmerize moved approval of the proclamation; Supervisor Remington seconded. The board approved the proclamation by roll call vote. Presenters invited supervisors and community members to the month’s events and asked for donations for "go bags" used when advocates meet victims at hospitals.
The proclamation and presentation highlighted service demand and community outreach plans; supervisors thanked staff and volunteers and noted the county’s continued partnership with victim-service organizations.
