Lake County proclaims April 2026 Assault Awareness Month; advocates outline support and events

At a public meeting the Lake County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April 2026 as Assault Awareness Month, urging residents, schools and businesses to take part in awareness activities and support survivors.

The proclamation, read by Vice Chair Paiske, said that "in 2025, Lake County agencies responded to the needs of 242 assault victims and their significant others and or family members" and named local partners including the Lake Family Resource Center, the District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Division, law enforcement agencies, hospitals and schools. The board "passed and adopted" the proclamation and it was signed by the chair.

"This proclamation is more than a statement. It's a commitment," said Gina Pilate, coordinator at the **** Crisis Center, who spoke at the dais on behalf of local advocates. Pilate thanked the board for the recognition and described the center's 25 years of work providing prevention, education and survivor empowerment support. "To the survivors in our community, we see you, we believe you, and you're not alone," she said.

Pilate said the center will lead outreach and awareness activities during April, including a kickoff Day of Action, an Earth Day presence at Woodland Community College on 04/23, Denim Day on 04/29, distribution of coffee-sleeve messaging at local coffee shops, and teal ribbons displayed on law-enforcement vehicles.

Board members thanked the Lake Family Resource Center and partner organizations for their work and participation in the proclamation events. When the chair asked for public comment on the proclamation, no in-person or online comments were recorded.

The proclamation asks local governments, schools, businesses and community members to participate in sponsored events during April to increase awareness and public support for creating communities free from violence and exploitation.