Denim Day is observed in April because it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As I eavesdropped on their conversation and observed their enthusiasm and excitement, it occurred to me that statistically one of these vibrant young women could likely be a victim of sexual assault.
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National statistics indicate that one in six women will be a victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. Additionally, under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA 2003), DVSAC has developed closer relations with Wayne Brown Correctional Facilities and juvenile hall to serve incarcerated victims of sexual assault. It is so important that we as a community support awareness of sexual assault.
Anyone can participate in Denim Day and show support for survivors of sexual violence. Last year, the Association of American Universities surveyed more than 150,000students at nearly 30 colleges across the USA and found that 23 percent offemale undergraduate students have experienced sexual assault while in college. Patti Giggans, the executive director of Peace Over Violence, tells SELF that Denim Day is a way to address the myths and excuses that surround sexual assault.
“Sexual assault doesn’t happen to someone else”. They are reporting that they feel more knowledgeable about the issue of sexual assault, and also feel more confident in their ability to intervene. So if this is true why are we now dedicating the month of April to highlight and bring awareness to sexual assault? The P2PL club has been promoting healthy relationships and active bystander skills during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They deserve to live in a community that is free of rape myths, because it is only by understanding the facts associated with sexual abuse that we can protect our children from sexual abuse. Staff members provide education, violence prevention services and crisis intervention to survivors of family and sexual violence. They including the Panthers for Prevention group, the Green Dot program, a required online training course called Haven, discussions during freshman orientation, and other initiatives led by both students and faculty/staff. In the survivor’s own words, “I deserved better”.
Those who want to help should visit www.hopealliancetx.org to help fulfill the center’s wish list or to learn how to become involved as a volunteer.
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One can find RSVP hosting and attending events around campus year-round.
