To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator’s Office/Board of Supervisors
Staff Name and Phone Number: Sheryl Bratton, 707-565-2588
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Resolution Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution In Support Of Survivors Of Sexual Violence, Affirming The County Of Sonoma’s Commitment To Making Our Community A Safe Haven Where Sexual Violence Will Not Be Tolerated, And Committing To Implementing Policies And Processes That Prevent Potential Perpetrators From Civic Duties And Public Service With the County Of Sonoma
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Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is committed to ensuring sexual assault survivors are supported by the County of Sonoma and community support services, and supporting law enforcement officials who work to eradicate sexual assault perpetrators. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors also desire to ensure the County of Sonoma’s policies and processes to appoint individuals from the community to civic roles associated with the County of Sonoma evaluate the potential appointee; and it’s employment policies, practices and expectations ensure County of Sonoma employees who may be victims of sexual assault are supported and work in a safe environment that is free from sexual harassment and assault. The Resolution affirms these commitments.
Discussion:
Sexual violence is a public health issue directly impacting the lives of adults, youth, and children and poses serious emotional, social, and civic consequence in a community. The County of Sonoma offers and has developed many programs and services that support survivors of sexual assault over the years. Some examples include, the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women was founded in 1973, and was one of the first of its kind at that time. The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights was established in 1993, as another form of supporting victims, which could include sexual assault crimes. Sonoma County law enforcement agencies work continuously in bringing justice to sexual assault victims by finding and prosecuting. The departments of Human Services and Health Services provide supportive services, and the Family Justice Center, started in 2011, efficiently brings together victim focused community programs and services.
Unfortunately, the local community has seen too many public leaders who are alleged predators and perpetrators of sexual misconduct and assault and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors cannot remain silent on this issue. As the largest branch of local government with a vast array of programs and services, the County must continue the good work, look for program and service improvements, and continue collaborative work in providing a safety net network. Additionally, with numerous officials and roles in civic engagement with numerous community appointees, and being Sonoma County’s largest local employer, the County of Sonoma must be vigilant in its policies and procedures to root out predators and create a safe community and work environment.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is committed to evaluating and implementing policies and procedures that more thoroughly vet civic appointees, remain committed to supporting the County’s and local community based services that support survivors of sexual assault, and are committed to ensuring that the County’s employment policies and services ensure a safe and supportive work environment.
This Resolution affirms the above commitments and establishes expectations to County of Sonoma’s department heads and elected officials, including the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, to evaluate policies and procedures with these objectives in mind.
Prior Board Actions:
None.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.