Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Today, Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month to increase awareness and help address this widespread public health issue. More than half of women and nearly 1 in 3 men in the United States have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

    "No one should have to experience the trauma of sexual assault and we must keep working to prevent abuse," said Governor Cooper. "We will continue to educate communities, demand accountability and support survivors."

    North Carolinians are encouraged to join others around the country on April 4th by wearing teal and sharing images across social media using #WearTealDay.

    Sexual violence is defined as any unwanted physical or verbal advances including sexual activity, abuse, harassment and assault. Sexual assault can affect people of any gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religion.

    "Tragically, statistics indicate that most sexual assault victims know their attacker," said Department of Administration Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "It is vital that we teach our residents and communities how to prevent sexual violence."

    The NC Department of Administration's Council for Women and Youth Involvement (CFWYI) helps fund 99 sexual assault programs in our state. These programs offer counseling, 24-hour crisis lines, transportation, and court and advocacy services. For additional resources, including a directory of state-funded sexual assault agencies, visit the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement website.

    During the last fiscal year, more than 11,000 individuals in North Carolina sought intervention services from a CFWYI funded rape crisis center following an experience of sexual violence. Thirty-five percent of women in North Carolina have experienced intimate partner sexual violence, but these numbers underestimate the pervasive nature of this problem in our community because many cases are unreported.

    Almost 12,000 North Carolinians, including 2,824 children under the age of 18, received sexual assault services from CFWYI grantees between July 2021 and June 2022. During that same time, more than 27,000 crisis calls were received from individuals seeking support following an experience with sexual violence. Only 4.2% of victims reported being assaulted by a stranger.

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