April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign about educating communities about preventing sexual violence by raising awareness.
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Denim Day campaign was started 17 years ago by Peace Over Violence as a result of a rape conviction in Italy during the 1990s.
An 18-year-old girl was picked up by her instructor, who was married and 45 years old and forcefully raped her by pulling her tight jeans off. After telling her parents, the family decided to press charges. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to jail, however, he appealed the sentence and within days the case was overturned and the instructor was released.
In the Italian Supreme Court, the judge’s statement was made by saying, “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.”
As a result of the verdict, women in the Italian Parliament were enraged and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action spread to Peace Over Violence and Denim Day has been continuing spreading awareness since 1999.
Jeans have become a “symbol of erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault,” according to www.denimdayinfo.com. This year Denim Day is April 27.
“Participants are invited to gear up and become part of a movement by taking action against false and destructive assumptions about sexual assault. Along with gearing up, you will be able to make a personal commitment, a promise, to not only wear jeans, but be the person who stands in support of survivors and educate yourself and others about sexual violence,” Patricia Giggins, executive director of Peace Over Violence, said.
Sinclair’s website states that as part of the community you must have take responsibility for yourself and be aware of your surroundings. The Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention program is a joint effort by Student Judicial Affairs, Counseling Services, and Department of Public Safety. According to Sinclair.edu, the program’s purpose is to provide support and education while also raising awareness about sexual offense and domestic and dating violence.
Although women have higher rates of sexual assault, anyone can be a victim, according to womenshealth.org. More than 23 million women in the U.S. have been raped. Most women who have been raped were younger than 25 when the rape happened and almost half of them were under 18. However, almost 2 million men have been raped and 11 percent experienced unwanted sexual contact. Bisexual women have higher rates of sexual assault than lesbians or heterosexual women. Almost 50 percent of bisexual women have been raped. More than half of transgender people have been sexually assaulted as well.
Issues of sexual violence have prompted organizations to enact policies to do more than be just aware. Chariot for Women, an Uber-alternative service uses the “safest practices to give the most secure and fun rideshare experience in the industry, driven by women, for women,” according to www.chariotwomen.com.
The main concern for the organization is safety, and that is achieved by the app. Every time a driver begins her day, she has to answer a security question and her picture and license plate number will be sent to the passenger.
“When the passenger requests a ride, a safe word pops up on the driver and passenger’s phone. If the driver says the correct word, the ride may begin.,” according to the website.
During the ride, there will be a list of 10 local and national charities, chosen by the passenger that will pop up on the app. Two percent of every fare will go to one of the charities of the customer’s choice.
“Here we are today, beginning a new rideshare revolution with greater purpose. My heart and intuition tell me that Chariot for Women was meant to be. This is why the charity portion of our business was born,” Kelly Pelletz, president of Chariot for Women said. “It is my hope that this expression of compassion will empower everyone to be their highest selves.”
Gabrielle Sharp
Executive Editor