More than 100 representatives from public and private organizations will gather on Friday, June 6, to celebrate completion of The Promise of Primary Prevention: A Five-Year Plan to Prevent Sexual Violence and Exploitation in Minnesota. The event also launches three action teams to address specific areas of the plan: 1) framing and messaging, 2) policy and legislation, and 3) data and research.

The goals of the plan include:

Strengthening social norms that encourage healthy and respectful relationships.
Identifying and training leaders across the state to educate people about prevention.
Ensuring that all voices are heard in order to prevent sexual violence.

Increasing the ability of individuals, groups and communities to prevent sexual violence.
Seeking action by public and private policy entities.

Implement and evaluate data and best practices for preventing sexual violence.
Officials from the Minnesota Department of Health announced last July that the costs of sexual assault in Minnesota were approximately $8 billion in 2005. Costs included medical and mental health care for victims, lost work and other quality-of-life issues, victim services, and criminal justice costs.

Date/Time/Location

Friday, June 6, 2008, 9 a.m. to noon
Thompson Park Center, Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Locations/Parks/Thompson.htm

Speakers

Jeanne Danaher, Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Patty Wetterling, Sexual Violence Prevention Director, MDH
Jim McDonough, Ramsey County Commissioner
Patricia Francisco, Author and Survivor of Sexual Violence