Backup Documents 04/13/2021 Item #16H4 16H4
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). It is a time to draw
attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and educate individuals and
communities about how to prevent it. Sexual harassment, abuse, and assault
are widespread problems. In the United States alone, nearly one in five
women and one in 71 men have been raped before the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, sexual harassment, assault, and abuse happen in all communities—and that
includes online spaces. We are spending more and more of our lives online—
whether that is for work, school, or entertainment. Unfortunately, with this
increase in virtual connection comes an increase in online abuse and
harassment. Consent and boundaries can be violated online in a number of
ways, and the trauma of online abuse is all too real for many survivors; and
WHEREAS, we can all make a difference to ensure that our online communities are safe
and respectful for everyone; and
WHEREAS, 2021 marks the twentieth anniversary of SAAM, and the theme of this
year's campaign is "We Can Build Safe Online Spaces." The campaign calls on
us to create online spaces that are built on the foundational values of
practicing consent, keeping kids safe, and supporting survivors; and
WHEREAS, Project HELP, Inc. joins the Collier County Sheriff's Office, the State
Attorney's Office 20th Judicial Circuit, and advocates and communities across
the State of Florida in preventing online abuse. Together, we can build safe
online spaces now and into the future;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier
County, Florida, that April 2021 be designated as
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 13th Day of April 2021.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
PENNY TAYO,R, CHA MAN