To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring April 2026 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Contra Costa County as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
April is designated as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the widespread and devastating issue of sexual assault.
This year’s National Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme, "25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward," celebrates the resilience of survivors and the communities that have worked for change. This campaign honors the movement's history and growth while reaffirming our commitment to a safer future for all. Looking back, we remember the survivors and advocates who laid the foundation for change. Moving forward, we renew our focus on prevention, healing, and action.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF Proclaiming April 2026 as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
WHEREAS, National Sexual Assault Awareness Month promotes awareness and educates communities about preventing sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 theme "25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward” celebrates the resilience of survivors and the communities that have worked for change; and
WHEREAS, for 25 years, the Contra Costa Alliance to End Abuse has advanced the Board of Supervisors’ policy to end sexual violence in Contra Costa County by building cross-sector partnerships that promote awareness, support innovative prevention and intervention efforts, and address inequities to ensure survivors can access needed services; and
WHEREAS, for more than 51 years Community Violence Solutions has provided support services to child and adult survivors of sexual assault and their families, and in 2025, reported 1,275 calls to the Rape Crisis Center’s crisis line, completed 36 sexual assault forensic exams, served 147 clients through its HOPE Therapy Services, and conducted 414 forensic interviews through its Children’s Interview Center in collaboration with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office; and
WHEREAS, Community Violence Solutions educated 4,557 participants through trainings at schools, churches, and civic organizations, as well as educated personnel in the medical, mental health, law enforcement, education, and criminal justice fields on sexual assault and exploitation prevention and intervention; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County community volunteers work together tirelessly to assist sexual assault survivors, by responding to emergency calls through 24-hour crisis hotlines and offering support, comfort and advocacy during forensic exams, criminal proceedings, and throughout the healing process; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed 129 cases with crimes related to sexual assault; its Felony Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Units convicted 10 defendants in jury trials of crimes related to sexual assault; and its Victim Witness Assistance Program provided support to 418 sexual assault survivors both in and out of court; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa Health’s Center for Abuse/Assault Response and Evaluation (CARE) Program provides medical evaluation, treatment, education, and prevention services for adults, children, and families who have been exposed to violence, abuse, and neglect, has expanded its services and conducted 196 forensic medical sexual assault examinations in 2025; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County joins the Contra Costa Alliance to End Abuse partners and anti-sexual violence advocates in the belief that all community members can help end sexual violence and work toward a society where all persons can live in peace, free from violence and exploitation, and thereby proclaim April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.