SENATE RESOLUTION 22

(By Senators Rucker, Chapman, Grady, Woelfel, and Plymale)

[Introduced January 31, 2024]

Designating February 1, 2024, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Sexual assault is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given, and that it is a critical public health problem in the United States that profoundly affects people of all ages, genders, and disabilities of either physical or mental abilities; and

Whereas, According to the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, West Virginia ranks 5th in the country in lifetime prevalence of contact sexual violence with 61.7 percent of female residents affected; and

Whereas, The number one crime for incarceration in state prisons is forcible sex offenses; and  

Whereas, The state’s sexual assault coalition, the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services, and its network of 12 regional rape crisis centers have worked collectively for over 40 years to provide a crisis service, and to implement prevention programs; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Foundation for Rape and Information Services' mission is to promote compassionate and just treatment of survivors and their loved ones, to foster collaborative relationships to promote victim healing, and to create free and confidential services where they are treated with dignity and respect; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 1, 2024, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Foundation for Rape and Information Services.