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WHEREAS, in an effort to raise awareness of sexual assault and its devastating affect on victims, family, communities, and society, the Center for Victims of Violent Crime in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape has launched a sexual assault awareness campaign called "The Shoe Project"; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Victims of Violent Crime will involve community venues such as libraries, college campuses, high schools, social service organizations, hospitals, and public offices, to reach a diverse audience as sexual assault impacts women and men of every race, culture, age, economic standing, and ability; and
WHEREAS, the Shoe Project is an empathy building activity in which true stories of sexual assault victims accompanied by a pair of shoes that represent the victim are displayed in a powerful setting, allowing the viewer to metaphorically "walk in their shoes" so that people will be compelled to take action against sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Disease Control has identified sexual assault as a significant, costly, and preventable health issue; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before the age of 18 giving rise to cycles of victimization, and immediate physical and emotional ramifications such as, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, homelessness, eating disorders, depression, and suicide, thus establishing the need for awareness; and
WHEREAS, through the Shoe Project, Community Outreach Advocates from the Center for Victims of Violent Crime will be able to provide victim service resources and risk reduction strategies to raise awareness, raise empathy, and break the silence of sexual assault.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, does hereby recognize and commend the Center for Victims of Violent Crime for their service to the City and their efforts to educate the public and serve as a safety net to the victims of violent crimes.