Franklin County proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Franklin County officials read and adopted a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and asked community partners and law enforcement to raise awareness of and support for victims of sexual violence.

Why it matters: The proclamation is an official county recognition intended to raise public awareness, encourage coordinated services and highlight local resources for survivors.

Proclamation and remarks: The commission read Proclamation 205-3 (as recorded in the meeting transcript), which cited national statistics and called for community action to support survivors and prevention efforts. After the reading, a representative of the county’s Trauma and Abuse Care Center thanked the commission and outlined local services, noting the center’s presence in Franklin County and neighboring counties and plans for outreach during April.

The Trauma and Abuse Care Center representative said the center operates multiple locations and that the proclamation will support awareness activities and an open house at the Franklin County office. "April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It's a time to bring attention to the widespread issue of sexual violence and empower communities to take action," the representative said.

Next steps: County officials and the center said they will publicize awareness events during April and coordinate community activities at the local office. The proclamation does not create a new county program or funding commitment; it is a formal recognition and call to action.

Ending: The commission and center participants took a photo after the proclamation reading and noted planned awareness activities at the Franklin County office during the month.