April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and DCHS took part in raising awareness and standing in solidarity with survivors through a series of meaningful events.
Since 1999, Denim Day has served as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting survivors and challenging harmful myths around sexual violence. The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian supreme court overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans—implying consent. In protest, women in the Italian parliament wore jeans to work. Denim Day has become an annual practice in many different countries in response. People around the world are encouraged to wear denim in solidarity with survivors and as a statement against victim blaming.
At DCHS, staff demonstrated their support by participating in Teal Out Day on April 1, proudly wearing teal—the national color for sexual assault awareness and prevention. Later in the month, on April 29, DCHS observed Denim Day, joining millions in making a visible statement of protest and unity.
That same day, Sexual Assault Center along with The Doorways, Friends of Guest House and DCHS hosted a Poetry Share Event at the Lyceum, offering participants a powerful platform to express their voices. The event provided a safe space for sharing support, encouragement, and uplifting words for those who may be experiencing or have experienced sexual violence. It was a moving reminder of the strength in the community and the power of speaking out.
Together these efforts show DCHS’s continued commitment to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and promoting a culture of respect and safety.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. One out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime, and about 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape. These numbers highlight the urgent need for continued education, awareness, and prevention efforts in our communities.
Events like Teal Out Day, Denim Day and the Poetry Share are vital tools in sparking the conversation, breaking down the stigma and showing survivors they are not alone. DCHS is proud to be part of the movement working toward a safer, more supportive world for all.
Sources:
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). (n.d.). Victims of Sexual Violence: Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). (n.d.). Scope of the Problem: Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem