Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Proclaiming the evening of April 16, 2005 as "Take Back the Night" and the month of April as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month", and in recognition of the important efforts of the Dane County Take Back the Night Coalition, urge all citizens to actively participate in the "Take Back the Night March and Rally" along with other Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities.
Body
WHEREAS, sexual violence continues to become more prevalent as a social problem; and
WHEREAS, the problems of sexual assault, sexual coercion, sexual harassment and domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people; but cross all economic, racial, sexual preference, and societal barriers, and are supported by societal indifference; and
WHEREAS, the crimes of sexual assault, sexual coercion, sexual harassment and domestic violence violate an individual's privacy, dignity, security, and humanity and rend the fabric of community by betrayal of basic trust in others; and
WHEREAS, the impact of sexual violence is wide-ranging and long-term, directly affecting women, men, children, and society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, based on FBI reports, one out of three women and one out of seven men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, 60 to 80% of the time by someone they know, a fact which suggests that nearly every citizen and family in Madison will be impacted either directly or indirectly by this problem; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault continues to be the most under-reported crime in our country, with less than 10% reported to the police and less than 5% pursued through the court system; and,
WHEREAS, "Take Back the Night" has benefited the community at large by creating an opportunity for community members to speak out against sexual violence and providing an environment of awareness, healing and empowerment, and will take place on April 16, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. beginning on the State Capitol steps; and,
WHEREAS, the event raises awareness of the nature of sexual violence as a force of oppression used to perpetuate racism, sexism, and economic inequality; and,
WHEREAS, it is the mission of "Take Back the Night" to build a network of individuals committed to creating a community free of sexual violence; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor, Common Council and Madison Police Department support events that inform the public and promote measures to prevent sexual assaults along with all forms of sexual violence; and,
WHEREAS, many educational events about the causes and prevention of sexual assault occur during the month of April in the State of Wisconsin and in this community,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison does hereby proclaim the evening of April 16, 2005 as Take Back the Night and the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and in recognition of the important efforts of the Dane County Take Back the Night Coalition, urge all citizens to actively participate in the "Take Back the Night March and Rally" along with other Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities.