Jackie Walorski: “I thank the gentleman from New York for organizing tonight's discussion on this important topic. April is Sexual Assault…”

“I thank the gentleman from New York for organizing tonight's discussion on this important topic. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and I rise today to say ``no more'' to sexual assault. This tragic epidemic impacts every community. Most of us know at least one sexual assault survivor. In my area, a report released by Saint Mary's College, found an alarming number of Hoosier girls affected by acts of sexual violence. Indiana ranks second out of 46 States for the highest number of rapes among female high school students, and this is unacceptable. 14.5 percent of Indiana's female high school students and 5.2 percent of Indiana's male high school students have reported being raped. This shocking number only accounts for those attacks that are reported. As we all know, most assaults go unreported. Since joining Congress, I have worked to put an end to sexual violence. Working with the House Armed Services and the House Veterans' Affairs Committees, I have authored and supported a number of provisions aimed at combating the growing number and the epidemic of military sexual assault trauma. Today I call on my colleagues to raise awareness of about sexual assault and how we can all work together to prevent it, to respond to it, and to say ``no'' to sexual assault together. I thank the gentleman from New York for this opportunity to join you in saying ``no more'' to sexual assault.”