Gladewater Mayor Brandy Flanagan welcomed two directors of the Women’s Center of East Texas to City Hall April 17 to recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month – White Oak Mayor Kyle Kutch issued a similar proclamation April 15.
Women’s Center Director of Operations Casey Tolbert and Nell Spencer, Director of Programs, joined Flanagan on the dais as she reported the dire national statistic that one American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, noting the East Texas outreach alone provided services to 232 sexual assault survivors last year, including responding to 26 SA nurse examinations.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
2025 Proclamation
Whereas, Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual harassment, assault, and abuse are widespread and impact every person in this community, with an American being sexually assaulted every 68 seconds; and
Whereas, Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment harm our community, and statistics show one in five women and one in 20 men have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives; and
Whereas, We must work together to educate our community about sexual assault prevention, supporting survivors, and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions; and
Whereas, With leadership and dedication, we can be successful in preventing sexual assault in East Texas by increasing education, awareness, and community involvement; and
Whereas, The Women’s Center of East Texas provided services to 232 sexual assault survivors in 2024, responding to 26 sexual assault nurse examinations; and
Whereas, the City of Gladewater, strongly supports the efforts of national, state, and local partners, and of every citizen, to actively engage in public and private efforts to prevent sexual assault. It’s time for all of us to take appropriate action and support one another to create a safer environment for all.
Now therefore, the City of Gladewater, joins advocates and communities across the nation in playing an active role to end sexual assault. Along with the United States Government and State of Texas, I do hereby proclaim the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Gladewater, Texas.