Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant City Council convened for its regular meeting this week, where one of the key items on the agenda was a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Rachel Long, a representative from the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (DVIP/RVAP), addressed the council to share information about their services and mission. Long, who lives near Burlington and serves multiple counties including Henry, Des Moines, and Lee County, passionately told the council about the support offered to survivors of sexual violence, from crisis calls to hospital response and court proceedings.
During her presentation, Long asked Mayor Brimhall to read the official proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The City Council unanimously approved the proclamation, reaffirming their support for ongoing violence prevention and survivor assistance efforts. The Mayor signed the proclamation following the motion’s passage.
Long also invited the public to a special “Shop for Survivors” event taking place April 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Washington, Iowa, aimed at raising awareness and providing support for survivors in the region. Council members thanked Long for her work and the resources brought to the local community.