OVW is proud to commemorate April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month alongside advocates throughout the country who are transforming lives. We know the Department cannot do this work alone, and we stand committed to those who are doing this critical work every day.
The numbers tell a story we cannot ignore. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the United States, individuals age 12 or older experienced an estimated 222,000 rapes or sexual assaults in 2008. Research indicates that, over the course of their lifetimes, 18 percent of women in this country are raped.
During this month, we take strength and inspiration from the work of advocates around the country who serve as a bridge to recovery and encourage survivors of sexual violence to raise their voices. The strength and the belief you have in survivors of sexual violence, is much of what makes the work we do at OVW worthwhile – and I am proud to say that we are committed to standing with you and supporting you in your efforts, locally and nationally - and to refocusing our own efforts to address sexual assault more effectively. Ending sexual violence is and will remain a priority for the Office on Violence Against Women, the Department of Justice and for the entire Administration.
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