Chattanooga, Hamilton County mayors declare April Sexual Assault Awareness month

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Community members gathered together this morning in Chattanooga to recognize victims of sexual assault.

The event was for those who are dealing with sexual assault and seek support.

Nationwide, 81% of women experience sexual assault.

Additionally, 1 of 10 children and 1 of 30 men will experience rape.

Mayors Tim Kelly and Weston Wamp declared the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness month in Chattanooga.

Mayor Tim Kelly said it is important the community must come together and deal with the issue.

“We’ve got to work together and bring this issue out of the shadows and treat it like the public health safety threat that it is. Sexual assault leaves a lasting, severe impact.”

Mayor Kelly also said he is committed to end sexual assault in the community.