Senate Resolution Highlights $3 Trillion Cost of Sexual Violence, Commits to Prevention and Justice

This Senate resolution is a formal statement recognizing April 2025 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, but it’s much more than just a symbolic gesture. It lays out some seriously tough facts about the scope of sexual violence in the U.S. and makes a clear commitment to tackling the problem.

The Staggering Reality Check

The resolution doesn't pull any punches, detailing statistics that show 2 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men experience violence or stalking from an intimate partner. It also calls out the massive economic fallout, noting that the lifetime costs associated with sexual violence are estimated to top $3 trillion. If you’re wondering how this affects your wallet, remember that these costs—from healthcare and mental health services to lost productivity and criminal justice expenses—eventually get absorbed by communities and taxpayers. The resolution also highlights the vulnerability of specific groups, pointing out that survivors of color, especially American Indians and Alaska Natives, face disproportionately high rates of violence.

Where the System Falls Short

The Senate text acts like a candid review of the current system, spotting two major roadblocks to justice and recovery. First, it points out a huge legal hurdle: many states have strict statutes of limitations, which means prosecution is often impossible even when evidence exists. Second, it highlights a critical gap in the support infrastructure. Despite a surge in demand, nearly half of all rape crisis centers don’t have a therapist on staff. This means that while the need for long-term care is skyrocketing—with survivors frequently dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, and depression—the resources for professional help aren't keeping up.

Promoting the Lifelines

Crucially, the resolution doesn’t just identify the problems; it actively promotes the solutions. It gives a shout-out to the hard work of volunteers and staff at crisis centers nationwide and directs the public to essential, confidential resources. For anyone needing immediate help, the resolution specifically names the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE), run by RAINN, and the Department of Defense Safe Helpline (877-995-5247) for the military community. By putting these numbers front and center, the Senate is making sure that people who need help know exactly where to turn.

The Commitment to Change

Ultimately, the resolution commits the Senate to three core goals for the month and beyond: focusing on prevention to stop sexual assault before it starts, ensuring better treatment and support for survivors, and working toward increased prosecution of perpetrators. While this is a non-binding resolution—meaning it doesn't create new laws or funding—it serves as a strong, official declaration of intent, signaling that the goal is to make sure no victim feels unserved and that accountability remains a top priority.