Raising Awareness, Supporting Survivors: St. Mary’s County Marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A message of awareness, support and community responsibility took center stage April 28 as the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County formally recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of standing with survivors and working to prevent sexual violence.

Commissioner Mike Hewitt presented the proclamation during the commissioners meeting, acknowledging both the difficult realities surrounding sexual assault and the critical role local advocates play in supporting survivors.

“I’m happy to say, I’m fortunate that my family, or anyone I’ve really known, has never had experiences with sexual assault,” Hewitt said. “But I do know it’s something that happens … and, Lord knows, thank God for these people, who help these survivors and do this work for us.”

The proclamation highlights April as a time to raise awareness, support survivors and promote education on preventing sexual violence, noting that sexual assault affects individuals of all genders, ages, races and backgrounds, often leaving lasting emotional, physical and psychological impacts.

It also underscores the barriers many survivors face when reporting crimes, including fear of not being believed, stigma and lack of support — challenges that advocates say must be addressed through communitywide efforts.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides an opportunity to engage communities in discussions about consent, respect and accountability,” Hewitt read. “Emphasizing the importance of creating safer environments for all people.”

Advocates On The Front Lines

Following the proclamation, Chamaine Jones, sexual assault program manager for the Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy, thanked the commissioners for their continued support and shared sobering statistics about the prevalence of sexual violence.

“In Maryland, more than one in four women have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime,” Jones said. “Nearly 47.6% of women and 30.7% of men have experienced some form of sexual violence.”

Jones highlighted the center’s work providing advocacy, crisis intervention, education and support services to survivors and their families, all offered free of charge and available 24/7.

“Thank you for standing with survivors and for helping raise awareness about this critical issue,” she said. “Together, we can build a safer and more supportive community for everyone.”

A Communitywide Effort

Local leaders and partners echoed the importance of recognizing that sexual violence impacts all populations.

Lori Jennings-Harris, director of the Department of Aging & Human Services, reminded attendees that older adults are also affected.

“As Chamaine just mentioned, we should be aware of sexual assault affecting women and men,” Jennings-Harris said. “Also, let’s keep in mind, it affects older adults as well.”

Taylor Spencer Davis, deputy director of the Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy, praised the dedication of advocates working directly with survivors.

“I know that she’s a really great advocate,” Davis said of Jones. “I know my whole staff are great advocates and supporters of survivors of sexual assault here in St. Mary’s County.”

Zach Varda, assistant state’s attorney, also attended on behalf of the State’s Attorney’s Office, alongside Cynthia Brown of the Department of Aging & Human Services.

A Call To Action

The proclamation concludes with a call for the community to unite in supporting survivors, promoting education around consent and taking action to end sexual violence in all forms.

“Now, therefore, we … do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in St. Mary’s County,” Hewitt read. “Let it be further resolved that the month serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors, raising awareness, and working toward the prevention of sexual violence in all forms.”

As the county joins communities nationwide in recognizing the month, officials and advocates alike stressed that awareness is only the first step — and that continued education, support and action are essential to creating a safer, more equitable community for all.

Resources For Survivors In St. Mary’s County

For individuals in St. Mary’s County who have experienced sexual assault, local organizations and agencies are available to provide confidential support, advocacy and emergency assistance.

The Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy offers 24/7 services, including crisis intervention, safety planning, hospital accompaniment and ongoing support for survivors and their families. All services are free of charge. Survivors can call the center’s hotline at 240-925-0084 for immediate assistance.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted to report an assault or request law enforcement assistance by calling 301-475-8008, or 911 in an emergency.

Support is also available through the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), which provides statewide resources and referrals. The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or through online chat at rainn.org.

Local health care providers, including MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, can provide medical care and connect survivors with forensic exams and advocacy services.

Officials encourage anyone affected to reach out, emphasizing that support is available and no one has to face the experience alone.

Watch the full proclamation below at 3:35.

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