Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 22, 2016 01:38 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Maria P. Donatucci |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution: Designating April 16, 2016, as "Take It All Back Day" in Pennsylvania |
I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring a resolution recognizing April 16, 2016, as “Take It All Back Day” in Pennsylvania. The resolution specifically recognizes groups such as Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) for their work to inform the public about sexual assault and abuse in all forms. These groups work tirelessly to assist survivors of sexual assault, and to inform the public that sexual violence is widespread and that it has public health implications for every resident of Pennsylvania. In addition, these groups and many others work together to hold events such as the eleventh annual “Take It All Back Community Walk” on April 16, 2016, in Philadelphia. These events have great importance during April, which is “National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” Events such as the “Take It All Back Community Walk” serve to inform and educate the public about what they can do to prevent sexual assault, and how they can support survivors and the groups that assist them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified sexual violence as an urgent and costly public health crisis. Meanwhile, the American Medical Association has stated that sexual violence is a silent, violent epidemic growing at alarming rates and traumatizing women, men and children everywhere. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies have stated that sexual violence is the most underreported crime. On average, only 31% of rape and sexual assault incidents are reported to police. My resolution will honor WOAR for its work in organizing the “Take It All Back Community Walk” which aims to stop and prevent sexual violence and abuse in all their forms. It will also recognize the exemplary work of WOAR and other groups such as the PCAR for their continuous efforts to inform the public of the ongoing and lasting effects of these terrible crimes and to assist those victimized by sexual violence. |
Introduced as HR793