GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Law enforcement, prosecutors and advocates for survivors of sexual abuse were stoic and resolute Tuesday when they talked about April being National Sexual Assault Month.

They were steadfast in their determination to rid the community of those who prey on our families, neighbors and friends as Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook and Quigley House CEO Jennifer Rodriguez talked of resources – and consequences – of those who hurt others.

Their backdrop was an array of T-shirts with messages written by survivors and friends. The color of the shirt categorized the crime, with white representing someone who died in an assault.

“It is a time for us to join together to prevent sexual assaults by educating our community and focusing on how the scourge of sexual violence impacts everyone in our community,” Cook said. “I, along with everyone standing here today, know that a single month isn’t enough to address the widespread problem of sexual assault. However, it does provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the issue, focus our support on the survivors and energize our prevention efforts.”

Three of the T-shirts draped on the fence and on a clothesline at Quigley House’s headquarters were white. They reminded everyone of the senseless and brutal outcome of acts of terror.

One was made by someone who remembered Brittany Nicole Cherubini, a 2-year-old girl murdered by her mother’s boyfriend.

“In April, we focus on building awareness around sexual assault and breaking the stigmas and biases that surround the subject,” Rodriguez said. “Cultural norms have contributed to misunderstanding and confusion around sexual violence. This makes it difficult for survivors to wrap their minds around their own personal experiences, often leading to shame and guilt. We quickly work to educate survivors on the dynamics of sexual assault and provide intervention to heal so survivors can rebuild their lives and have a healthy and safe future.”

Quigley House is the county’s only dual-certified domestic violence and sexual assault center. It provides a haven for victims as they try to rebuild their lives. It’s a place where they can get counseling, education and other tools to find a new path in life.

Cook said her department, investigators from the Attorney General’s Office, and Quigley House officials would relentlessly pursue justice.

“Every day, the men and women of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office focused our attention on sexual assaults, especially our investigators and our special victims and Internet Crimes Against Children units,” she said. “They have a job that isn’t easy to stomach, but they do it every single day. And they do it exceptionally well.

“Our victims advocates work countless hours to bring the support needed for survivors. We must work together to educate our community about preventing sexual assault, sexual violence. We must work together to support survivors and to speak out against the harmful attitudes and actions that may promote sexual violence by partnering with Quigley House to help bring resources and healing to victims of these terrible, terrible acts.”

Cook said making the public aware of sexual abuse should be a year-long project, not just focused on April.

“This is something that we need to be talking about and working towards ending every single day of the year,” she said. “If you are a victim or you know of a victim, we’re asking you to please come forward, and I promise you this team right here that standing with us, we are here to support you.”