JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A sexual assault survivor told her story at Jacksonville’s 25th sexual assault awareness month press conference on Tuesday.
Mayor Donna Deegan presented an official proclamation declaring April Sexual Assault Awareness Month, as community leaders, law enforcement and nonprofit advocates gathered to mark the national theme for 2026: “25 Years Strong. Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
Marcy Scott of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who chairs the city’s Sexual Assault Advisory Council, traced local efforts to support survivors back to the mid-1990s and detailed the councils that coordinate services across Duval, Baker and Nassau counties.
“Around the nation, communities like ours are proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Scott said. “The purpose is to gather in support of survivors, to bring awareness to this public health crisis, to take a stand against sexual violence, and to promote prevention.”
Ed Cayenne, a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office official, emphasized that trauma-informed responses are central to the agency’s approach.
“Our agency fundamentally believes that empowering individuals is as critical as bringing offenders to justice,” Cayenne said. “[Survivors] have a stronger foundation for survivor-centered journeys through the criminal justice system.”
Khary Gaynor of the State Attorney’s Office described the Special Victims Unit’s work, which she said includes more than 30 staff members who guide survivors through the criminal justice process.
“We foster an environment to support, encourage, and guide our survivors through the criminal justice system,” Gainer said. She cited a drug-facilitated assault case that resulted in a conviction and prison sentence.
Survivor Jennifer Bellinger described growing up in a church environment that discouraged questioning authority and silenced victims.
“We didn’t have the language, support, or freedom to navigate this environment, so silence became survival, ”Bellinger said.
She praised Detective McClellan, other JSO officials, prosecutors and her victim advocate, Zina, for their support.
“I would still be living in silence today, except for the men and women in this room who did see me,” Bellinger said. “And they reached out a lifeline and because of this, my voice became healing.”
She urged continued investment in programs that provide counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention and forensic exams, singling out the local Women’s Center of Jacksonville for its services.
Organizers encouraged Jacksonville residents to view prevention as a collective responsibility and to support resources that make it easier for survivors to seek help.
The city’s advisory councils meet regularly to coordinate those efforts and to plan events throughout the month.