A resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
S. Res. 179 is a Senate non-binding resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (April 2025). Sponsored by Chuck Grassley and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, the resolution expresses the Senate’s sense that the month provides an opportunity to educate the public about sexual violence, promote prevention, support survivors, and seek accountability for perpetrators. The document also highlights the pervasive impact of sexual violence, cites various statistics and costs, acknowledges the needs of diverse populations and service members, and points to existing resources such as the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline and the Department of Defense Safe Helpline. Overall, the bill is an expression of congressional support and a call for continued public awareness, prevention, treatment, and prosecution efforts, without creating new mandatory duties or appropriations. The text emphasizes awareness, prevention, survivor support, and collaboration among public safety, health, and community organizations. It references data on prevalence and economic costs, notes reporting and legal-system gaps, and reiterates the importance of accessible, confidential help for all victims.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes April 2025 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and defines the Senate’s support for educating the public, preventing assault, improving survivor treatment, and prosecuting offenders; calls for acknowledgment of survivors, volunteers, and professionals.
- 2Affirms the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and urges appreciation for public safety, law enforcement, and health professionals’ efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
- 3Includes extensive background with statistics on sexual violence (e.g., prevalence, impact on women and men, child victims, and military sexual assault), the economic costs of rape, and identified gaps such as underreporting and limitations of statutes of limitations.
- 4Highlights resources and support networks for victims, including the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline and local rape crisis centers, as well as DoD Safe Helpline resources for military personnel.
- 5Emphasizes the broad, non-discriminatory nature of sexual violence and acknowledges the particular challenges faced by communities of color and American Indians/Alaska Natives, stressing prevention, education, and access to services across diverse populations.