Montana HR0004

2019 Montana Legislature

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4

INTRODUCED BY K. DUDIK, S. MORIGEAU

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA EXPRESSING THE SENTIMENT THAT THE GOVERNOR DESIGNATE SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS' DAY ON THE FIRST THURSDAY IN APRIL OF EACH YEAR; AND REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MONTANA TO ISSUE A PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE FIRST THURSDAY IN APRIL OF EACH YEAR AS SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS' DAY.

WHEREAS, it is the sentiment if the House of Representatives that the purpose of Sexual Assault Survivors' Day is to recognize and honor the courage of survivors, bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault, and inform individuals on how they can stop sexual violence before it happens by promoting safety and respect; and

WHEREAS, the goal of Sexual Assault Survivors' Day is to raise public awareness about victims of sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it; and

WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Survivors' Day calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in the state; and

WHEREAS, the crimes of sexual assault and rape not only create victims but also secondary victims who also survive levels of trauma, and Sexual Assault Survivors' Day would honor those who are left to pick up the pieces alongside their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment harm our community and our state, and statistics show one in five women and one in 67 men will be raped at some point in their lives; and

WHEREAS, child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority to confront the reality that one in six boys and one in four girls will experience sexual assault before age 18; and

WHEREAS, on campus, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted during their time in college; and

WHEREAS, our words shape the world around us, and whether a person speaks out against inappropriate talk or helps someone better understand these issues, a person's voice is powerful and necessary in this conversation; and

WHEREAS, individuals can embrace their voices to show their support for survivors, stand up to victim blaming, shut down rape jokes, correct harmful misconceptions, promote everyday consent, and practice healthy communication with kids; and

WHEREAS, we join advocates and communities across the country in taking action to honor the courage of survivors of sexual assault and prevent sexual violence, and each day of the year is an opportunity to create change for the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That it is the sentiment of the members of this House of Representatives that the Governor recognize the first Thursday in April of each year as Sexual Assault Survivors' Day.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the House of Representatives requests the Governor of the State of Montana to designate the first Thursday in April of each year as Sexual Assault Survivors' Day and issue a proclamation recognizing that day and marking the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Clerk of the House deliver a copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Montana.

- END -

Latest Version of HR 4 (HR0004.ENR)
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