Mayor Randall L. Woodson and the Birmingham City Council proclaimed April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and invited staff from the Crisis Center to describe local services for survivors.

The proclamation, read during communications from the mayor, said the city “urge[s] all residents to join in our efforts to raise awareness about sexual assault, support survivors and work toward creating a culture of respect and consent.” The mayor asked Anna Sullivan, executive director of the Crisis Center, and members of the Center’s sexual-assault team to address the council.

Anna Sullivan, executive director of the Crisis Center, described the Center’s sexual-assault nurse examiner (SANE) clinic and related services, saying the clinic provides private exam rooms, counseling and evidence collection tools. “Research shows that a victim of sexual assault has a much better outcome if they come to a sexual-assault nurse examiner clinic,” Sullivan said, noting lower risks of substance misuse and suicidal ideation for survivors who use SANE services.

Sullivan said the Center serves four counties and does not turn anyone away, but that regional closure of centers has left gaps: “Centers have closed in our state. About 23% of our counties do not have these services.” She said clinic staff work with law enforcement through a sexual-assault kit initiative, and that the program has helped identify serial offenders locally.

Elizabeth Theriault, communications specialist for the Crisis Center, said the center provides 24/7 free services and is preparing a resource kit of flyers and printable materials for community distribution. “We do have a website,” Theriault said. “I’m working on getting a resource kit together that can be available with all of our flyers and handouts so that anyone can just print them off and distribute them.”

Councilor Valerie Abbott thanked the Center and asked about outreach, saying she had been unaware of the clinic and wanted to know how the city could help disseminate information. Councilor Jeffrey Smitherman praised the Center’s work and urged continued support.

The council presentation emphasized the Center’s clinical and advocacy services — medical exams, counseling, legal advocacy and outreach — and the need for funding and public awareness. Sullivan asked residents and officials to help spread information about the Center’s free services and hotline.

The council did not take a formal vote on funding or policy during the presentation; the proclamation was ceremonial. The Crisis Center representatives said they welcome invitations to community events, can provide printed materials and will host tours and “lunch-and-learn” sessions for local leaders.