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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: April 5, 2016 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Sexual Assault Awareness Month <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT (S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Donna Baker, 245-2130 <br /> Gentry Hodnett, Orange County Rape <br /> Crisis Center, (919) 968-4647 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month <br /> in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Orange County Rape Crisis Center, a non-profit, volunteer agency which <br /> has been serving the community since 1974 is working with others in the community to stop <br /> sexual violence and its impact through support, education and advocacy. Sexual assault is the <br /> most costly crime to its victims considering factors such as medical cost, lost earnings, pain, <br /> suffering and lost quality of life. The Orange County Rape Crisis Center assisted over 500 <br /> survivors of sexual violence, their loved ones, and community professionals during 2015. <br /> The coordination of the Orange County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is bringing <br /> together members of law enforcement, the medical community, the legal system and other <br /> community advocates to improve services for survivors of sexual assault who come forward. <br /> The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim April 2016 as "Sexual Assault Awareness <br /> Month" in Orange County, to encourage all residents to speak out against sexual assault, and to <br /> support their local communities' efforts to provide services to victims of these appalling crimes. <br /> The Board has approved similar resolutions in prior years. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda <br /> item: <br /> • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY <br /> The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang <br /> activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. <br /> RECOMMENDATION (S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the <br /> proclamation designating April as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Orange County and <br /> authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br />