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A signing of a proclamation in honor of March being proclaimed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in Logan County and the City of Russellville will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the historic Logan County courthouse.

Both Judge Executive Logan Chick and Russellville Mayor Mark Stratton will sign the local proclamation at 1 p.m.

“I feel it is important to highlight the efforts being made to stop sexual abuse, as well as the support given to victims by agencies such as Hope Harbor. Sexual abuse is a terrible occurrence, one which happens in every community. We must all ban together to not only stop it, but to support those who have fallen victim to it,” said mayor Stratton.

Hope Harbor is the local rape crisis center. They provide nonjudgmental and confidential support services to those who have been affected by sexual assault or abuse and attempts to reduce the risk of victimization in the Barren River Area Development District. Services include a 24-hour crisis line, legal and medical advocacy, community education and counseling.

“I think what we are doing Wednesday is very important. It lets the community know we are in support of those who are trying to stop sexual abuse and those who help the many victims who are affected by it,” said judge Chick.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear also supports the efforts being made as he has signed a proclamation as well declaring March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kentucky.

According to the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP), sexual assault affects every part of someone’s life—their body, their emotions, their thoughts, their behaviors, their spirituality, their job, and their relationships with friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers.

This is an annual opportunity to focus attention statewide on raising awareness about sexual violence and its prevention. It is also an opportunity to highlight the efforts of individuals and agencies that provide rape crisis intervention and prevention services while offering support to sexual assault survivors, victims and their families. SAAM raises awareness of sexual violence and its prevention through special events, while highlighting sexual violence as a major public health issue and reinforcing the need for prevention efforts.

The public is invited to attend the event on Wednesday, March 13 at the courthouse.