Wayne County recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Ohio, as state and local leaders, law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy organizations work together to highlight the prevalence of sexual violence and expand support for survivors.

Sexual violence remains widespread both in Ohio and nationwide. According to a proclamation from the Wayne County Commissioners read during a recent session, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, and every nine minutes that victim is a child.

“More than 53% of women and 29% of men reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime,” Commissioner Matt Martin read from the proclamation. “Eighty percent of sexual assaults are committed by someone who is known to the victim.”

Coordinated efforts between law enforcement and social service organizations are critical to improving reporting, supporting survivors and reducing future incidents.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not only about statistics but also prevention and education. Campaigns across Ohio focus on teaching consent, supporting survivors and encouraging communities to recognize warning signs and intervene safely.

“Wayne County law enforcement and social services communities work diligently to provide services for survivors of sexual assault and to prevent future sexual assaults through education and outreach,” Martin continued. “We call upon every citizen of Wayne County to encourage and support survivors of sexual violence.”

While the statistics highlight the scale of the issue, they only begin to capture the human impact of sexual violence on individuals and communities. Behind every number is a survivor whose experience underscores the importance of compassion, accountability and continued advocacy.

“We very much appreciate (the commissioners) taking the time to recognize this," OneEighty Director of Victim Services Rhiannon Whalen-Harris said. "It is such a hidden issue that people deal with; oftentimes, people aren’t coming forward to seek the services they need because there is so much shame and so much stigma behind sexual violence. It is so important that we put the message out to the community that there are not only resources (available), but that we are standing up as a community to say this is not OK.”

OneEighty’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours, seven days per week at 1-800-686-1122.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.