Western’s Counseling and Wellness Center celebrated Denim Day on Red Square Wednesday, offering sexual assault resources, educational materials and survivor advocacy button making to anyone on campus.
Denim Day was established in 1999, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of its recognition as an international holiday.
Denim Day began after Italy’s Supreme Court overturned the rape conviction of an 18-year-old girl, saying her jeans were too tight to remove on her own.
Liz Stewart, assistant director of outreach and health promotion at the Counseling and Wellness Center, said women in the Italian government are organizing the denim wear to show that wearing clothes does not equate to consent. It is said that there is.
“No one deserves to be touched in a way they don’t choose, no matter how they dress. That’s why we’re here today to send the message that clothing doesn’t equal consent. ,” Stewart said.
This event coincides with the 23rd Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Prior to the official declaration, the month was about awareness and prevention of both sexual assault and abuse, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Stewart said sexual assault victims tend to blame themselves because of myths that force them to blame the victim.
“[Celebrating Denim Day] They should be installed on all university campuses to attract the attention of students,” said Maria Kochetova, a wellness advocate. “It’s very difficult to talk about it.”
By hosting events like this, we send a message to survivors that your story is your story and we want to support you in your healing, said Stuart. .
“Survivors often say that the first interaction they have when sharing this really intimate, private, and traumatic experience influences their healing journey for the rest of their lives. From person to person, survivors who believe It makes a difference to the individual,” Stuart said.
Kochetova emphasizes that the Wellness Center is here for you and has resources so you don’t have to stand alone.
Student and event participant Alexia Rosas said students who participated in Denim Day felt that the event sent a message of solidarity and unity.
“[Denim Day] It shows them that there are people who care and that they are not alone,” Rosas said. “They have people if they need them.”
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services are local resources that support all victims of these crimes.
Resources for students are available through Western’s Counseling and Wellness Center. Students can contact the center and a survivor advocate will provide emotional support, discuss all available options, and focus on survivor safety and safety planning.
“Being a college student is not just about academics, it’s also about coming to the counseling center and thinking about the services that are provided there, especially the support for BIPOC,” said Nia Gipson, coordinator of the Black Student Union.
Western also offers a 24-hour helpline. According to the official page, students who don’t feel safe in their relationships or at home can contact an advocate who can help them come up with a safety plan.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. For help and resources, contact Western’s Survivor Advocacy Services at 360-650-3164.
Julia Hawkins (she/her) is the front campus news reporter this quarter. She is in her second year majoring in Journalism/Public Relations. Outside of reporting, Julia likes hanging out at The Planet’s offices, baking bread, and asking random people to pet her dog. She can be reached at the following address: juliahawkins.thefront@gmail.com
