We believe t hat sexual assault is not a partisan issue, but a pervasive problem in the United States that requires a public response. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), someone in America is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds.

 

Ninety percent of adult rape victims are female. Yet out of every 1,000 rapes, only 310 (31%) are reported to the police; only 57 of those result in criminal charges (18% of reported; 5% of total rapes); and, only 13 perpetrators are convicted (4% of reported; 1% of total). The vast majority of survivors never have the opportunity to confront their assailant or find closure in seeing their perpetrator brought to justice.  

 

While, under federal law, the punishment for sexual assault can range from a fine to life imprisonment, no amount of punishment can ever make up for the harm that this crime causes the survivors. Sexual assault has a serious and long-lasting impact on the survivor, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and flashbacks, and can adversely affect a survivor's relationships with family, friends and co-workers. We know that:

In light of these disturbing facts and statistics, we express our deep admiration for anyone who has the courage, strength, and civic commitment to risk his or her safety, family life, and peace of mind to step forward and tell her/his story.

 

To survivors we say: our faith communities will redouble our efforts to demonstrate our  belief in you. We will walk with you as you face life's challenges. We will support you emotionally and spiritually as you make a personal decision about if and when to go to law enforcement. We will pray with you, and for your continued strength and resilience. We pledge to do more to help you heal from the deep trauma inflicted upon you.  If you are a survivor of sexual assault, please reach out to law enforcement and organi-zations such as  RAINN to report the incident and seek help, and to us for spiritual and emotional support.

 

We commit to sharing in our communities and beyond our conviction that survivors who report their assaults are bravely sacrificing personal comfort for the possibility of protecting potential future victims. We also commit to sharing our belief that choosing not to report an assault is a matter of personal choice meant for self-protection.

 

We commit to inculcating in boys and girls in our communities the principles of bodily autonomy and respect for themselves and others. We will teach young people that their personal safety is of the utmost importance. We will challenge the culture that enables sexual assault, and the culture that ignores it. We will bring resources to our communities to ensure that the next generation is able to address the widespread problem of sexual assault, that destroys individuals' lives and tears at the fabric of society.

 

Together, we can fight this scourge.

 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has . - Margaret Mead

Signed by: (organizations listed are for identification purposes only)