HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 8558 RESOLUTION NO. 8558
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE RAMSEY COUNTY
START BY BELIEVING COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 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 in 4; and
Whereas, according to a study by the University of Minnesota, the number of Minnesota
women reporting a date-related sexual assault rises 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
experiences 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 than 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, public health and the criminal justice system have different roles and
responsibilities, 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 of Mounds View City Council, at the request
of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, that the City of Mounds View supports the
Ramsey County Start by Believing Community Initiative and its goal for everyone to believe
victims upon report.
Adod this 25th day of April, 2016.
Joe Flaherty, May.
ATTEST:
atA(vt-Lb A),(AA‘1571
James Ericson, City Administrator
(seal)