STAND. COM. REP. NO.  767

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.R. No. 54

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.R. No. 54 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to educate the public about sexual violence and to encourage the prevention of sexual assault, the improved treatment of its survivors, and the prosecution of its perpetrators by recognizing the month of April as "Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month."

     A concerned individual testified in support of this resolution.

     Your Committee acknowledges that sexual assault affects not only women, but also men and children, of all racial, religious, age, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in the United States.  It has been shown that prevention education programs have the potential to reduce the prevalence of sexual assault in their respective communities.  But, the first step in addressing this problem is raising awareness and educating the public about the realities of sexual assault and the ongoing strategies to end it.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 54 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

____________________________

JOHN M. MIZUNO, Chair