HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 16-14 Support Ramsey County Start By Believing InitiativeCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
April 13, 2016
No. 16-14
-----------------------------------------------------------
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE RAMSEY COUNTY: A START BY BELIEVING
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 1 in 6 women and 1 in
33 men in the United States experience rape or attempted rape, at some point in their lives, and
data from other sources report the rate for women is as high as 1 in4; and
WHEREAS, according to a study by the University of Minnesota, the number of Minnesota
women reporting a date -related sexual assault from 12 percent by the time they graduate from
high school, 29 percent by age 23, to 33 percent by mid-life; and
WHEREAS, an analysis of the Minnesota Student Survey data by the University of Minnesota
estimated 60 percent of teen first pregnancies in Minnesota are preceded by experience of
molestation, rape, or attempted rape; and
WHEREAS, 188 cases of child sexual abuse in Ramsey County were identified among reported
cases of maltreatment in 2011; and
WHEREAS, current estimates suggest no more that 20 percent of sexual assaults will be
reported to law enforcement and less than 3 percent will result in the conviction and
incarceration of the perpetrator; and
WHEREAS, research documents that victims are far more likely to disclose their sexual assault
to a friend or family member, and when these loved ones respond with disbelief, shame, or
blame, victims suffer additional negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being
and do not report their assault to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the national public awareness campaign "Start by Believing" is designed to
improve the initial responses of friends, family members, and community professionals,
including law enforcement and prosecutors, so they can help victims to access supportive
resources and report their assaults; and
WHEREAS, cities and counties have different roles, but are united in the goals to prevent and
reduce sexual violence in our community, from children to vulnerable adults;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota approve a resolution of support for the Ramsey County: A Start by Believing
Community Initiative and it goal for everyone to believe victims upon report.
ADOPTED by the Falcon Heights City Council this 13th day of April, 2016.
Moved by: Aa' ^ t
LINDSTROM
BROWN THUNDER
HARRIS
FISCHER
GUSTAFSON
S-- In Favor
_&_ Against
Approved by:
AerLindstrom
Mayor
Attested by:
Sack Thongvanh
City Administrator