Longmont designates April 2025 as sexual assault awareness month

The City Council of Longmont, Colorado, convened on April 8, 2025, for a regular session that included significant discussions surrounding the proclamation of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The meeting began with Mayor Joan Peck reading a proclamation that highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence and its impact on individuals and communities. The proclamation noted alarming statistics, including that every 73 seconds a sexual assault occurs in the United States, affecting millions of women and men.

Councilor Popkin expressed support for the proclamation while emphasizing the importance of recognizing the gap in reporting sexual assaults. He pointed out that the statistics mentioned only reflect those who have reported incidents, which may not accurately represent the true scale of the issue. His comments underscored the need for continued awareness and education regarding sexual violence.

Following the proclamation, the public was invited to share their thoughts. Bobette Berger, a resident, addressed the council, stressing the need for stronger legal measures to protect the community from sexual offenders. She called for the implementation of registration requirements for offenders, distance restrictions from schools and parks, and limits on the number of offenders residing in a single home. Berger urged the council to take immediate action to enhance community safety and protect constituents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to consider the concerns raised by the public and to continue discussions on measures to address sexual violence in Longmont. The council's support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month aims to promote safety, respect, and healthy relationships within the community.