On Tuesday, April 15, on the Green County Courthouse steps, an important "Shattering the Silence" event took place. Representatives from the Sexual Assault Recovery Program for Green County held a gathering in support of victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse. Following a series of respected speakers, led by District Attorney Gary Luhman, there was a walk over to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce building, where the shattering of glass took place. This event symbolized the need for people to break the silence that so often is associated with victims of sexual assault and abuse.
Many people do not realize it, but in Wisconsin there were nearly 5,700 sexual assaults reported to law enforcement last year. It is estimated the actual number of assaults exceeds 15,000, as many are not reported.
The pain and agony suffered by victims of sexual assault and abuse cannot be captured in a statistic, however. We all have a responsibility to help eliminate this problem in our community. That's why I am proud to join Governor Doyle in an effort to increase public awareness through the proclamation of April as sexual assault awareness month in Wisconsin. It is important we ensure all victims of sexual violence are given the support they need to heal, and we make an effort to prevent future incidents by fostering greater public awareness of sexual assaults.
One of the best ways to increase awareness of sexual assaults is to tear down the old myths and misconceptions of sexual violence. Sexual assaults are more common than one thinks, and are not primarily committed in dark alleys by strangers. In 9 out of 10 sexual assaults, victims knew their assailant. In addition, more than 70 percent of the victims are under 15 years old.
The most important step is not to stay silent. Talk to others about respect and equality in relationships; be aware of the signs of child abuse; and believe and support victims of sexual assault.
In Green County, there are many partners working together as an effective team to help eliminate sexual assaults and abuse. Through hard work from Sexual Assault Recovery Program staff, several dedicated volunteers, the Monroe Clinic, Green County Human Services, the District Attorney's office, and law enforcement, victims of sexual assault and abuse have access to coordinated services not seen in other places throughout our state and nation. Each of these partners deserves to be thanked and recognized for their every day commitment to this important cause.
At the state level during this past legislative session, we approved multiple proposals to help protect victims and prevent future offenses. Project Kid-Safe was fully funded in the state budget, which establishes life-time GPS monitoring for the worst child sex predators. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task force also was expanded to help investigate Internet computer crimes. We also increased funding for "SAFE," which helps collect forensic evidence from victims of sexual assault, as well as an increase in funding for domestic abuse grants.
Let's not allow sexual assault and abuse awareness stop at the end of April. Please join the partners in Green County in a sustained "Shattering the Silence" effort and increase awareness of sexual assault and abuse. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault's Web site at www.wcasa.org.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.state.wi.us or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
Many people do not realize it, but in Wisconsin there were nearly 5,700 sexual assaults reported to law enforcement last year. It is estimated the actual number of assaults exceeds 15,000, as many are not reported.
The pain and agony suffered by victims of sexual assault and abuse cannot be captured in a statistic, however. We all have a responsibility to help eliminate this problem in our community. That's why I am proud to join Governor Doyle in an effort to increase public awareness through the proclamation of April as sexual assault awareness month in Wisconsin. It is important we ensure all victims of sexual violence are given the support they need to heal, and we make an effort to prevent future incidents by fostering greater public awareness of sexual assaults.
One of the best ways to increase awareness of sexual assaults is to tear down the old myths and misconceptions of sexual violence. Sexual assaults are more common than one thinks, and are not primarily committed in dark alleys by strangers. In 9 out of 10 sexual assaults, victims knew their assailant. In addition, more than 70 percent of the victims are under 15 years old.
The most important step is not to stay silent. Talk to others about respect and equality in relationships; be aware of the signs of child abuse; and believe and support victims of sexual assault.
In Green County, there are many partners working together as an effective team to help eliminate sexual assaults and abuse. Through hard work from Sexual Assault Recovery Program staff, several dedicated volunteers, the Monroe Clinic, Green County Human Services, the District Attorney's office, and law enforcement, victims of sexual assault and abuse have access to coordinated services not seen in other places throughout our state and nation. Each of these partners deserves to be thanked and recognized for their every day commitment to this important cause.
At the state level during this past legislative session, we approved multiple proposals to help protect victims and prevent future offenses. Project Kid-Safe was fully funded in the state budget, which establishes life-time GPS monitoring for the worst child sex predators. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task force also was expanded to help investigate Internet computer crimes. We also increased funding for "SAFE," which helps collect forensic evidence from victims of sexual assault, as well as an increase in funding for domestic abuse grants.
Let's not allow sexual assault and abuse awareness stop at the end of April. Please join the partners in Green County in a sustained "Shattering the Silence" effort and increase awareness of sexual assault and abuse. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault's Web site at www.wcasa.org.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.state.wi.us or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
