Trump declares April sexual assault prevention month

President Trump on Friday issued an official proclamation designating April as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. 

In a statement, Trump encouraged the nation to “remain steadfast” in working to prevent sexual crimes and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering individuals to speak out in their communities and workplaces against perpetrators. 

“Sexual assault crimes remain tragically common in our society, and offenders too often evade accountability. These heinous crimes are committed indiscriminately: in intimate relationships, in public spaces, and in the workplace,” Trump said. 

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The longstanding observation of the month, which often sees outreach by public health organizations and community crisis centers nationwide, comes this year following a wave of sexual misconduct and assault allegations against high-profile men in media, entertainment and politics in recent months.

The proclamation also comes after the Trump administration was embroiled in controversy earlier this year after past domestic abuse allegations against former White House staff secretary Rob Porter from his two ex-wives were revealed.

The president himself has also faced accusations of misconduct by multiple women dating back to his days as a real estate mogul and reality television star, and has faced controversy for making lewd comments about his relationships with women in the past.