September 2021: Consent Month

WHEREAS, it is important to provide youth with the resources to empower themselves to know their rights, communicate about consent, and engage in healthy relationships; and,

 

WHEREAS, educating young people that asking for consent and receiving consent is important in building healthy relationships and engaging in respectful sexual activity; and,

 

WHEREAS, there is significant value in providing education about asking for consent and receiving consent; and,

 

WHEREAS, educating young people that consent should be voluntary, mutual, and can be withdrawn at any time; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is crucial to provide additional support to youth who hold marginalized identities and face higher rates of sexual violence/non-consensual sexual activity; and,

 

WHEREAS, survivors of nonconsensual sexual acts are more likely to experience depression, PTSD, self-blame, and alcohol and/or drug abuse; and,

 

WHEREAS, providing education about consent may help survivors identify sexual assault and empower them to reach out for help; and, 

 

WHEREAS, during this month, we should learn more about national and statewide sexual assault prevention programs and The Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act, participate in and promote the Michigan Youth Consent Day, and encourage youth to communicate about consent and engage in healthy relationships;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2021 as Consent Month in Michigan.