Survivors of Sexual Assault advocates scored a major victory yesterday as the Prince William County Human Rights Commission passed the Sexual Assault Survivors Month Proclamation. Led by advocates Angela Henz and Katelyn Page, the proclamation was unanimously passed. Chairman Curtis Porter read the startling data of sexual assault victims before the Commission before the vote. It now goes to the Board of County Supervisors, and should it pass, April 2021 will be recognized within the county as Sexual Assault Survivors Month.

Henz gave a heartfelt speech during the hearing on what she experienced. Commission’s Parliamentarian Evelyn BruMar responded after the vote by stating she will look into implementing training through both the county government and the school system on this issue.

Henz spoke about what will happen to the proclamation going forward. “I know the HRC will pass the proclamation on to the Board of County Supervisors. I hope the Board will add it to their agenda as soon as possible, and that it passes unanimously.”

“I also hope that this encourages the Board to appropriately fund our judicial system so that victims can receive justice.”