A resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 693
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2076-2077; text: CR S2083-2084)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-04T16:48:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 693) recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April 2026. It aims to raise awareness about sexual violence, promote prevention, improve support for survivors, and encourage prosecution of perpetrators.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): Highlights statistics on sexual assault prevalence, including:
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking.
- Over 532,000 children substantiated as victims of sexual abuse or neglect in 2024.
- High rates in military (e.g., ~29,000 service members affected in 2023).
- Disproportionate impacts on communities of color, American Indians, and Alaska Natives.
- Long-term effects like PTSD, depression, and economic costs (~$122,000 per rape victim lifetime).
- Forms of sexual violence: rape, incest, child/elder abuse, trafficking, harassment, stalking.
- Challenges like underreporting, statutes of limitations (time limits for filing charges), and resource gaps in crisis centers.
- Resources Mentioned:
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE or online).
- Over 1,100 local rape crisis centers.
- DoD Safe Helpline (877-995-5247 or online).
- Sense of the Senate ("Resolved" Section):
- Views the month as a chance to educate the public, prevent assaults, improve survivor treatment, and prosecute offenders.
- Acknowledges survivors and commends volunteers, professionals, organizations, law enforcement, and health workers.
- Supports goals of awareness, prevention, and justice.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the Senate's opinion; it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.
Potential Impacts
- Citizens: Increases public awareness, potentially encouraging reporting, prevention efforts, and use of hotlines/services.
- Government Agencies: Symbolic endorsement may boost visibility for agencies like CDC, HHS, and DoD, but no funding or mandates.
- No direct international relations impact.
- Overall, fosters cultural shift toward prevention and support without enforceable requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Survivors and Victims: Acknowledged and directed to support services.
- Service Providers: Rape crisis centers, RAINN, state/Tribal coalitions, culturally specific organizations, volunteers.
- Communities: Underserved groups (e.g., people of color, Native Americans, military personnel, children, elders).
- Professionals: Law enforcement, health workers, educators, first responders.
- Organizations: National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, nonprofits.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding effect; reinforces existing tools like DNA evidence for prosecutions but urges addressing statutes of limitations indirectly.
- Constitutional: None; aligns with First Amendment free speech on public issues.
- Political: Bipartisan (introduced by Sens. Grassley (R) and Shaheen (D)), agreed to unanimously; signals Senate consensus on a public health/crime issue, potentially influencing future funding or legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2076-2077; text: CR S2083-2084)
- 2026-04-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (7 pages)