LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim Tuesday, April 20, 2010, as Sexual Assault Awareness Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, Every day, women, men and children across the State and Nation
suffer the pain and trauma of sexual assault; from verbal harassment and
intimidation to molestation and rape, this crime occurs far too
frequently, goes unreported too frequently, leaves long-lasting physical
and emotional trauma, and can lead to fatalities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that sexual assault is an
affront to our collective conscience that cannot be ignored, and that
although sexual violence disproportionally affects women, many boys and
men are also affected; accordingly, we join with the many organizations
that represent the victims of sexual violence in observing Tuesday,
April 20, 2010, as Sexual Assault Awareness Day in the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, The focus of this year's campaign is the prevention of sexual
violence at higher education institutions; it is estimated that for
every 1,000 women attending a college or university, there are 35 inci-
dents of rape each academic year; and
WHEREAS, Among the events planned nationwide are art exhibits and
music; the display of white bandanas to raise awareness of violence
against farm worker women; the Clothesline Project which shows decorated
shirts to provide awareness about sexual and domestic violence, hate
crimes and child abuse; and the international Take Back the Night march-
es and rallies; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to ensuring the safety and
quality of life of all citizens of the State of New York and recommits
itself to not only lifting the veil of silence surrounding sexual
violence but also to raising awareness, expanding support for victims
and stressing the importance of sexual assault prevention and social
change; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim Tuesday, April 20,
2010, as Sexual Assault Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York; Amy Barasch, Executive Director, New York State Office for the
Prevention of Domestic Violence; the New York State Coalition Against
Sexual Assault; and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.