H.R. No. 681

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in
	April 2023 provides a fitting opportunity to recognize SAFE for its
	outstanding work in Central Texas; and
	WHEREAS, A nonprofit organization, SAFE is dedicated to
	providing safety, stability, and healing to anyone who has
	experienced violence and abuse, including survivors of sexual
	assault, trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse and
	neglect; it offers a round-the-clock helpline, shelter and housing
	to escape immediate risk, and a charter school that is a secure
	place for daycare and education; in addition, it encompasses an
	on-site sexual assault clinic; among other initiatives, it sponsors
	a dedicated program for survivors of sex trafficking as well as
	prevention programs to empower people to choose healthy
	relationships; and
	WHEREAS, SAFE traces its origins back some 45 years, when the
	Austin Rape Crisis Center and the Center for Battered Women were
	founded; as those agencies expanded their services, they joined
	forces in 1998 to establish SafePlace; its mission dovetailed with
	that of the Austin Children's Shelter, and in more recent years, the
	organizations merged into SAFE to better address the complex issues
	of violence and abuse; today, SAFE has an annual budget of more than
	$20 million, over 350 employees, and thousands of volunteers; its
	prevention and crisis programs operate across multiple campuses and
	in schools, hospitals, courts, and county offices; and
	WHEREAS, During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAFE is
	hosting an exhibition titled "What Was I Wearing" to challenge the
	belief that the clothes a person wears determine their likelihood
	of experiencing a sexual assault; outfits displayed are accompanied
	by the stories of survivors, conveying the message that sexual
	assault is always the sole fault of the perpetrator, not the person
	who suffered harm; and
	WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month highlights the
	accomplishments of a movement that has effected positive change,
	including passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 1993, while
	reminding the public that sexual assault, harassment, and abuse
	remain far too prevalent in our society; through the tireless
	endeavors of its staff and volunteers, SAFE exemplifies the
	progress the movement has achieved and the commitment to ending the
	cycle of violence; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature hereby honor SAFE on the occasion of Sexual Assault
	Awareness Month 2023 and extend to all those associated with the
	organization sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for SAFE as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
	of Representatives.
	Hinojosa
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 681 was adopted by the House on April
	5, 2023, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House