April 01, 2026
WHEREAS, sexual assault is broadly defined as one or more persons choosing to use force, threat of force, intimidation, manipulation, and/or coercion to obtain any form of unwanted sexual contact with another person; and,
WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month recognizes the strength and courage of the survivors of sexual assault or abuse; and,
WHEREAS, the goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about the impact of sexual violence and educate communities on prevention methods; and,
WHEREAS, survivors of sexual assault are represented in every Michigan community as well as by every sexual orientation, religion, race, ability, age, and gender identity; and,
WHEREAS, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, nearly 44% of women and 25% of men in the U.S. have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime; and,
WHEREAS, perpetrators of sexual violence are usually someone the survivor knows, such as a friend, current or former intimate partner, coworker, neighbor or family member; and,
WHEREAS, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men reported being sexually assaulted while in college; and,
WHEREAS, one in four girls and one in 13 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old; and,
WHEREAS, sexual violence often has a deep and enduring impact on survivors and their psychological, emotional, social, and physical health; and,
WHEREAS, access to informed, supportive, and inclusive services can greatly increase survivors’ ability to heal from sexual assault; and,
WHEREAS, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Victim Services, the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, and sexual assault/abuse advocates across the state to acknowledge the importance of working together to educate our communities about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions that support a culture that fosters the acceptance of sexual violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Michigan.
