You may know the Peer Advocates best for Sex Toy Bingo, but Bears… it is time to break out your best denim for the remainder of April into the start of May!
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) – a campaign to raise awareness for those affected by sexual assault and educate communities on prevention, advocacy and support. Sexual violence can impact people of all backgrounds and serves as a reminder that we all play a role in creating a culture of consent, respect, and support that goes beyond this campus.
One of the most powerful traditions during SAAM is Denim Day, which started after a rape conviction was overturned because the Italian Supreme Court ruled that the survivor’s tight jeans implied consent. In protest, people around the world wear denim to speak out against sexual violence and show solidarity with survivors. We hope you will join us throughout the month for events that promote awareness, healing, and education.
On April 21st, stop by our Tabling Trivia Giveaway to win some prizes by testing your knowledge, and learning about resources for consent, healthy relationships, and supporting survivors. We will also be participating in the clothesline project to display shirts that represent survivors and allies sharing their experiences and messages of hope. If you want to spice up your denim, come to Denim Painting on the 25th and 26th to create your own empowering and supportive designs in honor of Denim Day.
This year, Denim Day is April 30th, but we encourage you to wear your denim from 4/27-5/3 in support. Need the perfect opportunity to show off your best denim? Join the Peer advocates as we host our own Take Back the Night Walk on May 1st at 7:30 pm with a twilight walk around campus to show our support for survivors and their strength as we reclaim our community space.
We can’t wait to see you there! If you or any of your friends need any support, come find a peer advocate around campus, reach out to Dan Kelly, our Title IX coordinator, or reach out to us via email at ucpeeradvocates@ursinus.edu to learn more about our resources on and off campus.
Grace Olivo is a UC Peer Advocate.