WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed to bring attention to the importance of safety, respect, and well-being within our community, recognizing that experiences involving unwanted or harmful behavior can have lasting impacts on individuals, families, and public health throughout St. Johns County; and

WHEREAS, incidents involving sexual assault, including unwanted contact or harassment, affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and research shows that many people experience such behavior at some point in their lives, underscoring the importance of prevention, education, and support; and

WHEREAS, through leadership, education, and collaboration, communities can reduce incidents of sexual misconduct by promoting awareness, encouraging respectful behavior, supporting accountability, and fostering environments where individuals feel safe and valued; and

WHEREAS, the Betty Griffin Center supports the efforts of national, state, and local partners, as well as the residents of St. Johns County, to engage in meaningful dialogue and outreach focused on prevention education, access to supportive services, and community-wide cooperation to address and reduce sexual misconduct; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, that April 2026 be designated as

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 7^th day of April 2026.