April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and I want to encourage you to participate in Denim Day!

What is Denim Day?

In 1999 an Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a 45 year old driving instructor for the rape of his 18 year old student. The reason cited was the girl’s clothing. It was determined that because she wore blue jeans the instructor could not have removed them without assistance, therefore she must have consented. People everywhere were outraged and within hours prominent women within the legal community were walking the courthouse in blue jeans to protest the decision. Since that time Denim Day in LA and the USA was born. Peace Over Violence, the agency behind Denim Day, centers this campaign around the fact that a woman’s choice of clothing is no excuse for rape.

Sexual assault is one of those things that goes on the back burner.  No one wants to talk about it.  But it happens to our daughters and sons, brothers and sisters and our mothers and fathers.  It is happening regardless if we talk about it or not.

The Facts!

Here are some grim facts for you.  According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network:

• 54% of sexual assaults are never reported and 97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail.  (How sad and how very wrong.)
• Every two minutes someone is sexually assaulted in the United States alone.
• There is about 207,754 victims 12 years or older sexually assaulted each year.
• 44% of victims are under the age of 18 and 80% are under the age of 30.
• 1 out of every 6 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
• 1 out of every 33 men are sexually assaulted in their lifetime.  (This isn’t something that just happens to women.)
• 2/3rds of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim and 38% are friends or acquaintances.
• Victims of sexual assault are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression, 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

We need to change things and bring awareness to everyone about this devastating act of violence.  Will you get involved?

How do I participate?

It is easy. Wear Blue Jeans on April 24th and talk to people about the spirit of Denim Day.  Post a picture of yourself wearing blue jeans and post about Sexual Assault Awareness on April 24th. Display the button in your post and link-up to show support! To link up go to Secrets of a Sweet Southern Girl’s website and follow her instructions.

Don’t forget to link up!