April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On April 5, 2007 the Women's Center of Jacksonville, City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, State Attorney's Office, Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, and the Women's Center of Jacksonville participated in the kick off off event on the steps of the Police Memorial Building.

(Photo left: Shirley K. Webb, Executive Director of the Women's Center of Jacksonville)

Dr. Delphia Williams, Director of Community Services read the below Mayoral Proclamation stating that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In addition, representatives from each participating agency spoke about the need for education, protection and support services for the victims of sexual assault.

(Photo right: Dr. Delphia Willams)

Mayoral Proclamation

Whereas: Sexual assault continues to be a major social crisis in our society; and

(Photo left: Sheriff Rutherford)

Whereas: Sexual assault affects almost every child and adult in Jacksonville, Florida as either a victim/survivor or as a family member, significant other, neighbor, friend or co-worker of a victim/survivor;and

(Photo right: Jennifer Dritt,Executive Director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.) 

Whereas: Volunteers and service providers in our community are working to provide a continuum of care to sexual assault survivors through 24-hour hotlines, counseling,support groups,advocacy, medical care and education; and

(Julie Schlax, Director of Special Assault, States Attorney's Office)

Whereas:Jacksonville seeks to improve services for victims/survivors of sexual assault and prevent future sexual assault through public awareness and services for victims; and  

(Photo right: Amy VanVelzor, Jacksonville Legal Aide)

Whereas: This community recognizes the vital importance of designating a time devoted to increasing the general public's awareness and support of agencies providing services to rape victims; and

(Photo left: Elizabeth Kaupa, survivor)

Whereas: We hold forth a vision of a community free from sexual violence.

Now, Therefore, I, John Peyton, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 2007 as

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

in Jacksonville and urge all citizens to take part in activities that raise awareness for sexual assault and to join in this vision of a community free from sexual violence.

In Witness thereof, this 1st day of April, in the year Two Thousand and Seven.

John Peyton
Mayor

(Photo right: Rachel Mullins, Victim Advocate, Women's Center of Jacksonville)