Bill > HP1206

This joint resolution recognizes April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, highlighting the significant impact of sexual violence in Maine. The resolution provides context about the prevalence of sexual assault, noting that over 14,000 people in Maine are sexually assaulted annually and one in five Maine citizens will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. It emphasizes the wide-ranging public health and societal consequences of sexual assault, including mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and economic impacts. The resolution acknowledges that sexual violence disproportionately affects marginalized groups and is often a tool of control and power. It critiques existing support systems for survivors as inadequate and highlights how stigma and misconceptions contribute to low reporting rates and increased isolation for victims. The resolution calls for raising awareness about the causes and solutions to sexual violence, with the goal of creating long-term cultural and systemic changes. Ultimately, the Maine Legislature expresses support for those affected by sexual violence and commits to transmitting an official copy of the resolution to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault as a symbol of respect and solidarity.

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?paper=HP1206&snum=132