Monticello, Jones Co. declare April Sexual Assault Awareness Month

     The Monticello City Council and Jones County Supervisors both read and approved proclamations last week designating the month of April “Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”

     The request came on behalf of Riverview Center, which is a non-profit that provides support for those effected by sexual assault in Iowa.

     The proclamation reads as follows:

     “Whereas, sexual assault affects people of all backgrounds – including age, race, cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, level of physical or cognitive abilities; and

     “Whereas, in addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual assault may also have associated consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, homelessness, eating disorders and suicide; and

     “Whereas, sexual assault can be devastating not only to the survivor, but also for the family, friends, and community of the survivor; and

     “Whereas, since no one person, organization, agency, or community can eliminate sexual assault on their own, we must work together to educate our entire population about what can be done to prevent sexual assault, support survivors and their significant others, and support those agencies providing services to survivors.

     “Now therefore, we the City Council of Monticello and Jones County Board of Supervisors on behalf of all staff and citizens of Monticello and Jones County, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2021, as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

     “And encourage all citizens to learn more about preventing sexual violence.”