April showers bring May flowers, but now, thanks to President Obama, the month also brings much-needed attention to the issue of sexual assault.

The president on Wednesday declared April Sexual Assault Awareness Month to help victims, bring attention to the crimes and prevent future crimes. Calling sexual assault "pervasive" in the United States — 18 percent of women reported being raped at some point in their lifetime — Obama stressed that such attacks not only take their toll on the victims, but the family, friends and others, as well.

Long-term health problems like STDs, emotional stress and chronic pain may also stem from sexual assaults.

Services such as crisis interventions, 24-hour hotlines, advocacy, legal aid and counseling are still very much needed. Citing laws like the Violence Against Women Act of 2005, which allocated the first federal funds dedicated exclusively to sexual-assault services, Obama also said it’s equally vital to ensure forensic examiners have the tools they need to track down the perps. 

"To make continued progress, my Administration supports efforts to help Americans better understand this issue," the president said in his declaration. "Working together, we can reduce the incidence of sexual assault and help all who have experienced this heinous crime."

This month has also brought an increased focus on sexual assault at the Defense Department, which has seen increasing reports of rape and sexual assault of women in the military. The DoD this month launched a new website and campaign to better train on ways to prevent the crime and to encourage military personnel to "take care of their buddies."