Evesham Deputy Mayor Dr. Krystal Hunter (far left) reads a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, while representatives of the Contact of Burlington County program look on.
Evesham Township council used part of its meeting last month to join the national recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and stand with assault survivors in the community.
To highlight the issue, the meeting included representatives of Contact of Burlington County, the state-designated sexual violence program. The nonprofit supports and empowers survivors of sexual assault with services that include a 24/7 hotline; support from Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates – who volunteer to support survivors and offer resources – and an emotional support helpline.
Contact’s executive director, Jai Patel, expressed gratitude for the township’s willingness to advocate for awareness and noted how important it is to discuss the impact sexual assault has on its victims.
“I just want to thank you all so much being here, and (to the township) for having us,” he noted. “I feel like this is a topic that doesn’t get a lot of light, right? And walking alone as a survivor is something no one should have to do. So your support, and this awareness, really mean a lot.”
Council issued an official proclamation to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month that was read by Deputy Mayor Dr. Krystal Hunter, who volunteers as a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate.
“It’s necessary to call attention (to the fact) that sexual assault is more widespread in our nation than realized, and that its repercussions impact both victims and their communities,” Hunter read. “Sexual assault can be perpetrated either in person or through technology, social media, and take many forms, such verbal or physical, unwanted sexual contact or harassment.”
“It is understood that an individual’s sexual consent cannot be obtained through forced coersion, manipulation, threat or intimidation.”
The council document also emphasized the need for communities to be more connected, respectful, inclusive and educated about sexual assault; to support bystander intervention; and to develop healthy relationship skills that prevent violence.
“It’s extremely important if you, or someone you know, is a victim of assault, to get them to help as soon as possible,” Hunter emphasized. “Be sure to be helpful, be sure to restore their autonomy, never force them to do anything they don’t want to do, but really educate them in terms of going to the hospital within the proper times so they can collect evidence and things like that.”
Visit www.contactburlco.org for more information on Contact of Burlington County. Its sexual violence hotline can be reached at (856) 600-4800.
