South Raleigh News

Governor Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and North Carolina Department of Administration Secretary Gabe Esparza participated in an event at the Guilford County Family Justice Center in Greensboro to emphasize the need for ongoing efforts in combating sexual assault. This meeting was held during the observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

Governor Stein underscored the severity of sexual assault and the commitment needed to address this issue effectively. "Sexual assault is a heinous crime," said Stein. He acknowledged the initiatives to eliminate the state's rape kit backlog and advocated for creating a Cold Case Unit to support law enforcement in addressing unresolved cases.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson expressed his dedication to building upon the groundwork laid by Governor Stein to combat sexual assault. "We’re going to keep building on the strong foundation laid by Governor Stein to combat sexual assault in North Carolina," noted Jackson. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with state and local law enforcement as well as community partners to seek justice for survivors.

"North Carolina must be committed to ending sexual assault," stated Secretary Gabe Esparza. He commended the Council for Women and Youth Involvement for their efforts in providing resources to those impacted by such crimes.

Catherine Johnson, Director of the Guilford County Family Justice Center, highlighted the importance of coordinated support for survivors. Johnson remarked, "We must support the most vulnerable in our communities by protecting survivors of sexual assault through providing coordinated and collaborative solutions that include access to advocacy, legal, social, law enforcement, and health services."

District Attorney Avery Crump from Guilford County supported the call for the establishment of a cold case unit, affirming, "A designated cold case unit will help local law enforcement and district attorneys prosecute these cases and find closure for survivors of sexual assault."

Valerie Paterson, who works in supporting survivors, voiced her appreciation for Governor Stein's advocacy and urged for increased resources to support survivors. "I am grateful to see Governor Stein is taking this issue seriously," Paterson said, highlighting the lifeline needed for survivors navigating their healing journeys.

At the event, Governor Stein announced a proclamation naming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. His 2025-2027 budget proposal seeks funding for a team dedicated to tackling cold case sexual assaults. Previously, as Attorney General, Stein helped address North Carolina's historical rape kit backlog, leading to new leads and arrests.

The event also served as a reminder that resources are available for those affected by sexual violence, with information accessible through the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement.