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Jacksonville mayor plans to put a stop to growing number of Florida sex crimes

Local leaders and law enforcement are joining forces to combat sexual assaults. Sex crimes are a growing problem both nationally and in Florida.

Mayor Lenny Curry and JSO are taking a hard stance to combat this issue, and they’re doing so by bringing awareness to the month of April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Curry hopes educating and spreading resources alongside various agencies will help prevent sexual assaults in the river city. The theme for this year’s event is “Engaging New Voices.”

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Nearly one out of every five women in the United States has been a victim of sexual violence at some point in her lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Robin Graber, with the Rape Recovery Team, said the city is using the month of April to highlight ways to engage community members in the hopes of ending sexual assaults.

“Sexual violence doesn’t have a set victim. It can be anyone of any age, of any race, or any gender, and it really is a community issue that we needs to be faced,” said Robin Graber.

The Women's Center of Jacksonville's Rape Recovery Team offers many free services including a crisis intervention program, sexual assault forensic exams and individualized counseling for survivors and their loved ones.

The local 24-hour rape crisis hotline is 904-721-RAPE, and trained professionals are there to offer emotional support and inform victims about their rights. The Rape Recovery Team serves Duval, Baker and Nassau Counties.