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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	April 9, 2015 12:31 PM
From:	Representative Maria P. Donatucci
To:	All House members
Subject:	Resolution – “Take It All Back Day” in Pennsylvania

I hope you all will join me in cosponsoring a resolution recognizing April 25, 2015, as “Take It All Back Day” in Pennsylvania. The resolution specifically recognizes groups such as Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) for their work to inform the public about the problem of sexual assault and abuse in all forms. Such groups do so much to assist survivors of sexual assault and to inform the public that sexual violence is widespread and has public health implications for every resident in Pennsylvania. These groups and many others work together to hold events such as the Tenth Annual “Take It All Back” walk on April 25, 2015, in Philadelphia that informs and educates the public about what can occur to prevent sexual assault and how they can support survivors and the groups that assist them. Such events such as the “Take It All Back” walk have great importance as April serves as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” Additionally, 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 serves as a silent, violent epidemic that grows at alarming rates and traumatizes women, men and children of this nation. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies nationwide indicate sexual violence as the most underreported crime. Only an average of 31% of rape and sexual assault incidents get reported to police. My resolution will honor WOAR for its work in organizing the “Take It All Back” walk aimed at stopping and preventing sexual violence and abuse in all their forms and to assist the survivors of such incidents. It also will recognize the exemplary work of WOAR and other groups such as the PCAR for their efforts all year round to inform the public of the ongoing and lasting effects of this terrible crime and to assist those victimized by it.

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