Gov. Carney signs proclamation to bring awareness to Sexual Assault, Violence

DOVER, Del.- Getting the word out about sexual assault and sexual violence in the First State is a mission for some.

“It is so important when you’re doing this work to assure that the survivors voice remains at the center of the work because it is the survivor that knows what he or she needs best,” Venita Garvin, Executive Director with Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence, said.

Tuesday afternoon, healthcare workers, non-profit leaders, and lawmakers gathered around Governor John Carney as he signed a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“It’s important not just during the month of April, but daily, to lift up education around just how prevalent sexual assault, sexual violence is,” Garvin said.

Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long said that prevalence can be seen in the statistics.

“We have men and women who unfortunately experience in their lives forms of violence, 1 in 5 women, 44% of women have also been reported depending on the statistic and 25% of men,” Lt. Governor Hall-Long said.

And, after hearing that data Governor Carney said it means the state has more work to do.

“I think that’s what really sinks in and what strikes you is that the numbers are high and then under-reported at the same time and so creating that awareness that the numbers are high, it happens all the time,” Gov. Carney said.

While this event was about spreading awareness, it also was a way to share the state’s new efforts of bringing stronger resources to the community through the Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence Coalition.

“It’s a tent that’s pulled all the different pillars of advocacy together that will address domestic violence, sexual assault,” Lt. Governor Hall-Long said.

“Our primary goal is to assure that we are as inclusive as possible in building a coalition of victim services, provider agencies, courts system, judicial system,” Garvin said.

And, going forward that alliance hopes their impact not only touches the lives of Delaware, but all of those dealing with sexual assault and violence.

“Not only do we want to make Delaware safer, but we are also interested in the global work in ending violence against women and girls and young men,” Garvin said.

If you need help, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1-800-656-4673.