San Luis council proclaims April for child‑abuse and sexual‑assault awareness; honors retiring police sergeant

The San Luis City Council read proclamations declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, citing national statistics and urging residents to report suspected abuse to Arizona's statewide child‑abuse hotline or to law enforcement.

Dina Vancho, introduced as a board member of Proverbs 31 and a Department of Defense victim‑advocate, told the council that sexual violence and child abuse are widely underreported and described national figures for victimization. “Sexual violence is the most underreported crime,” Vancho said, and she thanked the council for issuing proclamations that she said offer “hope, courage, and community to everyone impacted.” Council members asked Vancho to provide the statistics in writing for staff and follow‑up.

Chief of Police Nigel Reynoso presented a plaque to Police Sergeant Joel Salceda honoring his years of service; Salceda said he spent 28 years in law enforcement and thanked his family and colleagues. Council members offered congratulations and appreciation for Salceda’s service.

The proclamations and the retirement recognition were ceremonial and informative; the transcript shows council members praised the local nonprofit work and urged community reporting and survivor support. Council did not record budgetary or policy actions tied to the proclamations during this meeting.