Pennsylvania SR 272: A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1594
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 272
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MUTH, TARTAGLIONE, L. WILLIAMS, SCHWANK, KIM,
COMITTA, COLLETT, CAPPELLETTI, BOSCOLA, HAYWOOD, KEARNEY,
KANE, HUGHES, FONTANA, VOGEL, COSTA, STREET, BROWN AND
CULVER, APRIL 17, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 17, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Sexual Assault Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The month of April is nationally recognized as
"Sexual Assault Awareness Month" to call attention to the fact
that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every community;
and
WHEREAS, April 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the
designation of "Sexual Assault Awareness Month"; and
WHEREAS, Rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment have a
deep physical and emotional trauma on those who have experienced
it; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Sexual Violence Resource
Center, a division of Respect Together, rape in the United
States occurs more frequently than the public realizes, as one
in five women and one in 71 men have been raped in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 81% of women and 43% of men reported
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experiencing some form of sexual harassment and assault in their
lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Lesbian and bisexual women may be up to three times
as likely as heterosexual women to report having been sexually
assaulted during their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Thirty-three percent of adults with intellectual
disabilities are estimated to have experienced sexual violence;
and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of false reporting for sexual assault
crimes is low and estimated between 2% and 10%; and
WHEREAS, For every 100 rape and sexual assault victimizations
of teenage girls and women reported to the police, only 18 lead
to an arrest; and
WHEREAS, Communities can support survivors by believing their
stories, showing respect and championing support networks; and
WHEREAS, Individuals speaking out against inappropriate
jokes, offensive gestures, harmful attitudes and unwanted
actions make a positive impact toward ending sexual harassment,
abuse and assault; and
WHEREAS, This year's theme for "Sexual Assault Awareness
Month," "Looking Back, Moving Forward," honors the history and
growth of the movement to end sexual violence while reaffirming
the commitment to a safer future for all; and
WHEREAS, This year also marks the 51st anniversary of the
founding of the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect
(PCAR), a division of Respect Together, and the beginning of
their service to the Commonwealth in advocating for the rights
and needs of sexual assault victims; and
WHEREAS, PCAR is a coalition of rape crisis centers serving
all 67 counties of this Commonwealth and their mission is to
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work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate
for the rights and needs of victims of sexual assault; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2026
as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate empower more survivors and their
loved ones on their journey to help, hope and heal; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate work together with our communities
to end sexual violence in Pennsylvania.
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