Iowa County supervisors approve proclamation recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month and hear local services update

Iowa County supervisors voted to approve a proclamation recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 26) and heard a briefing from service providers on local supports for survivors.

Andy, who identified himself as "director of domestic violence services for DPI," and Abby, a sexual assault advocate, told supervisors that advocates across their service region attended or supported 189 SANE exams in fiscal year 25 and that 29 people in Iowa County received direct services. "Without this ongoing support we wouldn't be able to be in communities and provide those services," one presenter said.

They described the range of services available to survivors: safety planning and one‑on‑one counseling, accompaniment to sexual assault exams and court proceedings, assistance with no‑contact orders, relocation and housing help. Presenters also promoted outreach events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, including a "shop for survivors" drive in which donated toiletries and goods raised in specific retail locations will be used to support survivors in the counties where donations were collected.

Supervisors approved the proclamation by voice vote and provided copies for records; presenters asked to take a photograph with board members after the vote. The proclamation was signed and copies were retained for county records.