Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed April Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The designation calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in this community.
The goal of the proclamation is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.
The proclamation was accepted by Darlene Thomas, President of the Key West chapter of the National Organization for Women and Christine Depre. Depre serves as Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator and Advocate for Christina’s Courage, a non-profit that provides support for victims of sexual abuse.
Nationally One in five women and one in 67 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Additionally, child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority for all genders.
Incidents of sexual assault has increased on school campuses and in the military.
“Our words shape the world around us,” reads the proclamation. “Whether you speak out against locker room talk or help someone better understand these issues, your voice in powerful and necessary in this conversation.”
In the photo: Commissioners Gregory Davila and Jimmy Weekley, NOW President Darlene Thomas, Mayor Teri Johnston, SART Coordinator Christine Depre, and Commissioners Sam Kaufman, Clayton Lopez and Bill Wardlow. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover is seated at the dais.