H.R. No. 681
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in
April 2023 provides a fitting opportunity to recognize SAFE for its
outstanding work in Central Texas; and
WHEREAS, A nonprofit organization, SAFE is dedicated to
providing safety, stability, and healing to anyone who has
experienced violence and abuse, including survivors of sexual
assault, trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse and
neglect; it offers a round-the-clock helpline, shelter and housing
to escape immediate risk, and a charter school that is a secure
place for daycare and education; in addition, it encompasses an
on-site sexual assault clinic; among other initiatives, it sponsors
a dedicated program for survivors of sex trafficking as well as
prevention programs to empower people to choose healthy
relationships; and
WHEREAS, SAFE traces its origins back some 45 years, when the
Austin Rape Crisis Center and the Center for Battered Women were
founded; as those agencies expanded their services, they joined
forces in 1998 to establish SafePlace; its mission dovetailed with
that of the Austin Children's Shelter, and in more recent years, the
organizations merged into SAFE to better address the complex issues
of violence and abuse; today, SAFE has an annual budget of more than
$20 million, over 350 employees, and thousands of volunteers; its
prevention and crisis programs operate across multiple campuses and
in schools, hospitals, courts, and county offices; and
WHEREAS, During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAFE is
hosting an exhibition titled "What Was I Wearing" to challenge the
belief that the clothes a person wears determine their likelihood
of experiencing a sexual assault; outfits displayed are accompanied
by the stories of survivors, conveying the message that sexual
assault is always the sole fault of the perpetrator, not the person
who suffered harm; and
WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month highlights the
accomplishments of a movement that has effected positive change,
including passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 1993, while
reminding the public that sexual assault, harassment, and abuse
remain far too prevalent in our society; through the tireless
endeavors of its staff and volunteers, SAFE exemplifies the
progress the movement has achieved and the commitment to ending the
cycle of violence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby honor SAFE on the occasion of Sexual Assault
Awareness Month 2023 and extend to all those associated with the
organization sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for SAFE as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
of Representatives.
Hinojosa
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 681 was adopted by the House on April
5, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House