Important April awareness topics

Some subjects, even though difficult, are worth talking about. In April, we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. As some of you know, I chair the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Children and Families. We have had a number of bills come through our committee on these subjects, and we are also the committee responsible for the annual report detailing all of the documented child abuse that occurs in our state.

It’s sad that in the world we live in, sexual assault numbers are high. It is estimated that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. With these odds, it is extremely likely that someone close to you has been through this type of trauma. How can we help those who have opened up to us that they have experienced sexual assault?

The first thing is to be there as a friend, to allow people to talk, and to show them that they are loved no matter what. As a police officer, I know we are wired to want to seek justice when we hear these stories. But we also must make sure that our victims are safe and can be on a path to healing, and hopefully pursue justice as soon as they are ready to do so. We authored a bill to lengthen the window of time that child sexual abuse victims can bring their abuser to civil court this session, because we know that working through trauma, especially from childhood, takes time.

On the state level this last year, we also secured funding for crime victim services like ones provided through domestic abuse and child advocacy centers. I also led legislation to implement guidelines so that our Department of Justice will not ever have a backlog of sexual assault kits in our state, ensuring swift justice for those who have been assaulted.

If you have been struggling in your mental health because you have been abused, it’s a good day to open up to a trusted individual about it. Nothing you have ever experienced could make you less valuable. Your mental and physical well-being matters.

One last question for our parents of young kids: are you struggling to give your children what they need, or have you let your anger get the best of you? It may be time, or past time, to call in for some help. There are so many stressors in our day and age. Sometimes, we are doing our best to get food on the table, and feel like we are ready to crack. This can affect our children. Get ahead of your frustration. Reach out to a family member, clergyperson, or organization that can help you be more grounded. Child abuse can be prevented. God bless.

Be Our

G uest