SUPPORTING NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
April 28, 2009
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank the gen tle lady from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin), as well as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), for introducing this important resolution, and I rise in support to acknowledge the impact that sexual assault has on its victims and to promote education about and prevention of sexual assault.
This resolution highlights the immense problem of sexual assault in the United States. A person is sexually assaulted in the United States every 2 1/2 minutes. Almost 18 million women, 1 in 6, have been victims of rape or attempted rape, and almost 3 million men, 1 in 33, have also been victims.
Sexual assault also harms the society. Medical expenses, lost productivity, treatment of psychological trauma and pain and suffering cost victims roughly $127 billion per year.
It can also lead to long-term health problems such as chronic pain and headaches and stomach problems and sexually transmitted diseases, and can leave victims with emotional issues which can lead to depression and even suicide.
Designating April to be Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is an important step in recognizing the problem. Highlighting and focusing on this issue gives us the opportunity to educate the public and allows us to praise the survivors, as well as the volunteers and professionals who have dedicated their lives to combating sexual assault.
I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.