Attorney General 2019-12 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaii
Posted on Mar 28, 2019 in Latest Department News(Honolulu) – April 1, 2019 is the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in Hawaii. The Department of the Attorney General, Department of Health, and the Hawaii Coalition Against Sexual Assault are partnering to raise public awareness about sexual violence and support initiatives that work to prevent sexual violence in our communities. Hawaii’s effort is part of a nationwide campaign.
This year’s SAAM theme, “I Ask, encourages and empowers everyone, no matter the scenario, to ask for consent, listen, and accept answers without pressuring or coercing another.”
On April 12, 2019, Governor Ige officially will proclaim April 2019 “Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaii” and recognize 14 community members and organizations who are making a difference in Hawaii by encouraging healthy relationships, teaching youth about consent, and how power dynamics impact consent. These include: Barbie-Lei Burgess, Waiʻanae Neighborhood Place; Jan Fukada and Keʻalapualoke Fukuda, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education; Lorrie Kanno and Officer Anson “Kaipo” Paiva, Weed and Seed Program Hawaiʻi; Gina Kaulukukui, Kauaʻi Police Department; Cathy Kapua, Kuaʻana Project; Cyril Lopez, Jr. and Jennifer Makuakane, Kaʻu Middle and High School; David Matlin and Nick Rolovich, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Athletics; Captain Romuel “Roy” Nafarrete, U.S. Navy, PACFLT SAPRO; Gregg T. Waki, Waiakea High School; and the Maui Sexual Assault First Responders.
“Sexual violence has no place in our communities,” said Attorney General Clare E. Connors. “I commend every effort to raise awareness of the problem and I am encouraged that so many are promoting the value and importance of healthy human relationships.”
According to the 2015 and 2017 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1 in 12 high school students (8.5%) who dated or went out with someone in the previous 12 months experienced sexual dating violence. Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. We encourage everyone to stand against all forms of sexual violence by attending a local SAAM proclamation during the month of April:
Kauai Mayor’s SAAM Proclamation/Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month
Monday, April 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
Kauai County Office Building Rotunda
Maui Mayor’s SAAM Proclamation
Monday, April 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
University of Hawaii Maui College
Honolulu Mayor SAAM Proclamation and City Council Certificate Ceremony
Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
Honolulu Hale, City Council Chamber (3rd Floor)
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For more information, contact:
Krishna F. Jayaram
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Department of the Attorney General
(808) 586-1284
Janice Okubo, Public Information Officer
Department of Health
(808) 586-4442
Joanne Higashi, Sexual Violence Prevention Program Coordinator
Family Health Services Division, Maternal and Child Health Branch
Department of Health
(808) 733-4182
Paula Chun, Hawaii Coalition Against Sexual Assault
(808) 551-9976
Krishna F. Jayaram
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Department of the Attorney General
425 Queen Street
Honolulu HI 96813
Ph. 808 586-1284
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