Erik Paulsen: “I want to draw attention to April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We know this is a problem across the…”

“I want to draw attention to April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We know this is a problem across the country. In Minnesota alone, more than 60,000 Minnesotans are victimized by sexual violence each year, and of this number, 80 percent were women and nearly a third were under the age of 18. It is a time to educate the public about sexual violence and help communities more effectively prevent it. It is also important, though, to recognize the victims' rights groups, social workers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement personnel, who are working one-on-one with the victims of sexual violence, helping them seek justice and repair their lives. Important organizations like Breaking Free are helping women escape trafficking, prostitution, and sexual exploitation. And Cornerstone, which is running domestic violence crisis hotlines, is helping victims get the assistance that they need to get back on their feet. Mr. Speaker, these are some of the organizations we have in Minnesota that are providing invaluable services to the victims at a time when they need it most. ____________________”