The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to educate and engage the public in addressing this issue. In 2018, the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office Crime Victim Assistance Center assisted 445 victims and family members of sexual assault. They have 6 claims specialists and 7 advocates. They filed over 100 sexual assault cases in last year and sent several offenders to state prison for life sentences. When we as a community “start by believing” victims of sexual assault, victims are more likely to report their victimization to law enforcement and seek supportive services. April is also Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.