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On April 1, Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the commencement of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Texas. The Office of the Texas Governor released a statement affirming the state's commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault.
"This month and every month, Texas stands with survivors of sexual assault and will work to bring justice and support for victims of this heinous crime,” the governor said," said Abbott, according to Office of the Texas Governor. "Survivors who share their experiences deserve our gratitude, as do law enforcement officials, the judicial system, and advocacy organizations such as the Governor's Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force—all of which work to protect the lives and dignity of their fellow Texans. I encourage all Texans this month to join us in our ongoing fight to prevent sexual assault in our state. By continuing to advocate for survivors and increase public awareness about sexual assault, we are fostering a society in which these atrocities have no place to build a better Texas for all,” Abbott said."
The governor's office indicated that Abbott had issued a proclamation urging Texans to contribute to raising awareness about sexual assault, engage in initiatives aimed at halting sexual violence, and acknowledge the bravery of survivors.
The Governor’s Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force (SASTF) was established in 2019 with an emphasis on assisting survivors as they grapple with the aftermath of sexual violence, according to the press release.
Abbott also called on Texans to express their support on social media throughout April using the hashtag #TXSexualAssaultAwarenessMonth. The press release further noted that survivors could access resources provided by SASTF via its official website.
According to information from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month has been commemorated for 23 years since its official recognition in 2001.