Several community members and elected officials attended a ceremony in the Bellefontaine City Council chambers Friday morning, which culminated in a proclamation from the Logan County Commissioners and the City of Bellefontaine, read by Mayor David Crissman, officially designating the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
Representatives from several local agencies and advocacy groups were on hand to recognize the designation and show support for the victims of sexual assault.
This April marks the 24th anniversary of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) designating the month as such. According to the NSVRC website, the organization helps coordinate the SAAM campaign with states each year, “complete with the resources, graphics, and tools needed to hold an event or otherwise raise awareness.”
Deborah Brownlee, Program Director at TCN Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Center, said the rise in awareness of the issue of sexual assault has been helped recently due to increased funding from the State of Ohio. She pointed to the State authorizing $30 million in funding last year, saying the funding is allocated to local sexual assault crisis centers and the effect those funds have locally:
Brownlee speaks about the reality of the issue of sexual assault and abuse in our area:
In addition to the proclamation, several school districts were recognized for their involvement in the issue. Bellefontaine, Indian Lake, Ohio Hi-Point, and Riverside schools were all given a framed certificate of excellence by Mallory Centers and Ashley Buck, members of the Logan County Sexual Assault Prevention Team. In addition to the schools, Riverside Sophomore Keira Manahan was recognized for her efforts to raise awareness at her school.
To learn more about how to support those affected by sexual assault or abuse, call New Directions at 937-593-5777.
