SENATE RESOLUTION 15

(By Senators Stuart, Woelfel, Rucker, and Jeffries)

[Introduced February 26, 2025]

Designating February 27, 2025, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Sexual violence is recognized as a significant public health problem that has a profound impact on lifelong health and well-being; and

Whereas, The most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey ranks West Virginia 5th in the country in lifetime prevalence of contact sexual violence, with nearly two thirds of female residents affected; and

Whereas, The number one reason for incarceration in West Virginia’s prisons is forcible sex offenses, with an annual cost of over $53 million for incarcerating inmates in the state’s prisons and juvenile facilities for sex-related offenses; and

Whereas, The state’s 12 regional rape crisis centers and the state sexual assault coalition, the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services, have dedicated nearly 45 years of crisis services and prevention efforts to support those impacted by sexual violence and to prevent future victimizations; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 27, 2025, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Foundation for Rape and Information Services.