In a powerful display of community commitment, the City of Escondido issued a proclamation in April 2024 declaring the month as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Signed by Mayor Dane M. White, Deputy Mayor Christian Garcia, and Councilmembers Michael Morasco, Consuelo Martinez, and Joe M. Garcia, this official recognition underscores the urgent need to address sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts. As we reflect on this initiative in 2025, it’s a timely reminder of the ongoing work needed to combat this pervasive issue—and organizations like NotMeSD and NotMeCA are at the forefront of that fight.
The Proclamation: Key Highlights and Why It Matters
The proclamation opens with a stark acknowledgment of the widespread impact of sexual assault in the United States. It highlights alarming statistics: over 53% of women and 29% of men report experiencing contact sexual violence in their lifetime, with many more cases going unreported. Younger individuals, particularly women and girls between ages 16-19, face heightened risks, being four times more likely than the general population to experience sexual assault. Victims often endure lasting consequences, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, fear, shame, depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and substance abuse.
Escondido’s leaders emphasize shared responsibility: “As a community, we share the responsibility for protecting each other from sexual assault, supporting victims when it does occur, and bringing perpetrators to justice.” The city recognizes April as an opportunity to showcase support for survivors, collaborate with victim service organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocates—including the NotMeSD movement. The proclamation specifically praises NotMeSD’s mission to stop sexual violence by helping women in crisis, providing self-defense classes, firearms training, and more to empower individuals and families.
This isn’t just symbolic; it’s a call to action. By proclaiming April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Escondido aims to educate residents, prevent violence, and foster a safer community. In a world where sexual assault remains an epidemic, such local endorsements amplify national efforts and encourage grassroots involvement.
Spotlight on NotMeSD: Empowering San Diego Women Through Self-Defense
At the heart of Escondido’s proclamation is the NotMeSD movement, a San Diego-based program dedicated to stopping sexual assault and ending domestic violence. Operated under the San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), NotMeSD focuses on empowering women with practical self-defense tools, including firearms training and education. Led by Program Director Desi Bergman, the initiative offers professional training in safe firearm handling, storage, and usage, often in one-on-one or classroom settings with certified NRA instructors. NotMeSD also assists with firearm purchases and obtaining California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permits, with grants available for those facing financial barriers.
What sets NotMeSD apart is its non-partisan approach to self-protection. By teaching women to become their own first responders, the program addresses the reality that many assaults happen in situations where immediate help isn’t available. In interviews during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Bergman has highlighted how these classes build confidence and provide life-saving skills, aligning perfectly with the proclamation’s emphasis on prevention and advocacy. Since its inception, NotMeSD has marked anniversaries during April, offering series of training classes to equip individuals with knowledge and resources.
Expanding the Movement: NotMeCA’s Statewide Impact
Building on local successes like NotMeSD, NotMeCA represents the broader California initiative to eradicate sexual assault and domestic violence statewide. As a 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with California County Gun Owners, NotMeCA provides funding and support for women across the state who want to pursue self-defense options, including firearms ownership, training, and CCW permits. The movement believes that arming women—literally and figuratively—is key to preventing violence, making these resources accessible without financial hurdles.
NotMeCA also engages in advocacy, such as filing lawsuits, public education campaigns, and supporting shooting events to raise awareness. By partnering with programs like NotMeSD, it creates a network of support that extends from local communities like Escondido to the entire state. Donations to NotMeCA are tax-deductible and directly fund these efforts, ensuring more women can access the tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.Why Support NotMeSD and NotMeCA Now?Escondido’s 2024 proclamation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a catalyst for year-round action. Sexual assault affects millions, but movements like NotMeSD and NotMeCA prove that prevention is possible through education, empowerment, and community involvement. These organizations challenge the status quo by promoting self-reliance, especially in a state like California where Second Amendment rights intersect with personal safety.
If you’re inspired by Escondido’s stand, here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate: Contribute to NotMeCA online or by mail to fund training and resources for women in need.
- Join Training: Sign up for NotMeSD classes to learn self-defense skills—whether for yourself or to support a loved one.
- Spread Awareness: Share this proclamation and the work of NotMeSD/NotMeCA on social media, especially during awareness months.
- Advocate Locally: Encourage your city or county to issue similar proclamations and partner with these groups.
Together, we can build on Escondido’s leadership to create a safer California. For more information, visit notmesd.org or notmeca.org. Let’s turn awareness into action—because no one should ever feel powerless against violence.
