STSM Denim Day
Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (EDT)
Since 2001, the month of April has been nationally observed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate the community and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.
What: National Denim Day
When: Thursday, April 24, 2014
Why: In Italy in the 1990s, an 18-year-old was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. The assailant was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to jail. He appealed the sentence, and the case made its way to the Italian Supreme Court. The Supreme Court released the perpetrator and dismissed all charges, on the grounds that “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them... and by removing the jeans... it was no longer rape but consensual sex.” Women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in protest, and the California Senate and Assembly did the same. Denim Day was born.
Please wear jeans on this day to raise awareness and educate the public about rape and sexual assault! STSM will be giving out FREE stickers to participating individuals, schools, and businesses in the Midlands. Contact Prevention Education Coordinator at (803) 790-8208 or email@example.com to order stickers.
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands (STSM) is a private, nonprofit, United Way member agency committed to providing free support to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, including 24-hour crisis hotline, hospital accompaniment, court accompaniment, personal advocacy, individual and group counseling and education to the community to identify and prevent sexual violence.