Make a Difference with Denim on April 26
04/25/2017

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Campus Violence Prevention Program (CVPP) and Counseling and Disability Services invite the Southeast community to participate in Denim Day on April 26. Help take a stand against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault by considering wearing jeans and joining CVPP at noon in front of Academic Hall for a group photo. Please consult with your supervisor regarding permission to participate. Denim Day was established in response to an Italian Supreme Court Ruling. In 1997 in Rome, an 18-year-old woman was raped on the side of the road by her 45-year-old driving instructor, who was later convicted and sent to prison. The perpetrator appealed the sentence and his case was heard before the Italian Supreme Court and overturned. The head judge stated that because the victim wore tight jeans he assumed she must have helped remove them, implying consent. Enraged by the decision, the women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans on the steps to the Parliament building. Victim blaming contributes to the large number of sexual assaults that go unreported. Survivors often fear being blamed and judged, and therefore do not seek the support they need, suffering silently and alone. Send a message to survivors that Southeast is a safe place to seek help by participating in Denim Day. Denim Day is supported by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office on Women’s Health. For more information, contact the Campus Violence Prevention Program at (573) 986-6899.