Governor Greg Abbott has issued two proclamation for the month of April centered, recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in Texas.
This month is a time for Texans to come together to raise awareness around the issue of sexual assault and to recognize the courage of survivors across Texas and throughout the nation.
“Every person is worthy of respect and protection, especially from acts of sexual violence,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas works tirelessly to defend Texans from these cruel offenses, making sure that each perpetrator is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Each April, we acknowledge the strength and courage of each survivor and recognize their resiliency and hope. As we work together to prevent sexual assault in our state, may we honor each survivor, raise awareness, and build a future where each Texan can live in safety.”
The Governor’s Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force (SASTF) was established in 2019 to ensure a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, and coordinated response to sexual violence experienced by adults and children across Texas. The SASTF brings together various professionals and survivors who are singularly focused on delivering critical system improvements on behalf of all Texas sexual assault survivors.
“We commend the State of Texas for prioritizing efforts to assist sexual assault survivors and for its commitment to funding and supporting rape crisis centers,” said Texas Association Against Sexual Assault CEO Rose Luna. “Their impactful work provides critical resources and advocacy for survivors across the state.”
Texans are encouraged to honor survivors as the State of Texas continues its mission to encourage their healing and empowerment. Texans can also use the hashtag #SAAPM2025 to share their support on social media throughout the month of April.
Resources for survivors published by the SASTF can be found at gov.texas.gov/ organization/cjd/sastf-resources.
Governor Abbott also promoted World Autism Awareness Day by recognizing April 2025 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in Texas. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions, typically appearing during early childhood, and characterized by challenges with social skills, relationships, self-regulation, and communication.
“Texas continues to promote the acceptance and celebration of people with disabilities, including Texans with autism,” said Governor Abbott. “We must also foster a supportive environment where each individual across the autism spectrum can thrive. Autism awareness and acceptance empowers Texans throughout the state like Jeremiah Kimmel, a student with Autism who joined me at my State of the State Address, to feel included and supported. This April, we celebrate neurodiversity and the unique perspectives, abilities, talents, and experiences of Texans who make our state great.”
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States with one in 36 children having the diagnosis. Acceptance can lead to better job prospects, additional employment opportunities, affordable housing, and accessible and integrated transportation systems that match personal needs and lifestyles.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is hosting the 2025 Texas Autism Conference, a virtual event on April 14-17, 2025.
For more information, please contact Childrens.Autism. Program@hhs.texas.gov.
The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities works toward a state in which people with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity, and self-determination.
The Committee recommends changes in disability policies and programs, supports a network of committees on people with disabilities, issues awards to promote greater awareness, and promotes compliance with disability related laws.