Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed every year in April. It's dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it. The campaign focuses on the importance of consent, respects for boundaries, and the promotion of safe environments for everyone. Activities and initiatives throughout the month aim to highlight the prevalence of sexual assault, support survivors, and encourage public and policy changes to reduce and eventually eliminate sexual violence. Each year, SAAM adopts specific themes to focus its efforts, such as emphasizing the importance of believing survivors, understanding the impact of sexual assault on various communities, and promoting strategies for prevention.
Sexual Violence affects every community and a person is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States and 80% of those assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. Only 25 out of every 1000 perpetrators will end up in prison. We can do better. We must do better. This month, join us in standing up for survivors - wear teal to show your support, donate to organizations like ours that protect and help survivors, advocate for stronger laws to protect victims and help educate the next generation on the warning signs and ways to prevent sexual assault.
Fort Bend Women's Center has been helping survivors of sexual and domestic abuse since 1980 with counseling, housing assistance including an emergency shelter, case management and legal assistance. Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 281-342-4357 and website live chat is always ready to assist those in need.
Denim Day - April 24th
Denim Day is a campaign observed worldwide during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It originated from a court case in Italy in 1998, where the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The justices concluded that she must have helped her attacker remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim and in protest against the court's decision.
This act of protest sparked a worldwide movement, and wearing jeans on Denim Day became a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. The day is now observed annually, encouraging people to wear denim as a statement against misconceptions that surround sexual violence and to show support for survivors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of educating society about the realities of sexual assault and the need to support survivors rather than blame them. Denim Day advocates for the prevention of sexual violence through education and encourages communities to challenge and change harmful attitudes and policies surrounding sexual assault.
Our ThriftWise Resale Stores raise awareness for Denim Day all month long. We have special denim items that have been decorated by our clients and volunteers with uplifting messages and images available for a small donation. Together, we can raise awareness and help end sexual violence.