Denim Day Scheduled April 24 at UW

In a show of solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, members of the University of Wyoming community are urged to wear jeans Wednesday, April 24, during Denim Day, the world's longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign.

People also can participate by being proactive in Green Dot, UW's bystander intervention program, and they can consider donating to UW's Denim Day Survivor Emergency Fund.

"Denim Day's campaign inspires and mobilizes individuals and our community by providing tools, messaging and an accessible call to action: wearing jeans with a purpose," says Libby Thorson, a UW assistant dean of students.

Denim Day was initiated after an Italian Supreme Court case sparked international outrage when a judge overturned a lower court's conviction of a rapist because the victim wore tight jeans.

According to UW data, 18 percent of students report experiencing sexual assault while enrolled at the university.

At UW, Denim Day coincides with a Green Dot Day of Action event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with educational and awareness activities on Simpson Plaza and in the Wyoming Union. Thorson urges the campus community to wear their denim and Green Dot gear on Denim Day "to make a social statement with their fashion statement."

The show of solidarity indicates that violence is not tolerated in the community and that everyone is expected to do their part in ending it. Participants are encouraged to post photos of their denim on Instagram with the hashtag #CowboysWearDenim and tagging @UofWyoming.

Denim Day also serves as a day of fundraising for the Survivor Emergency Fund, Thorson says.

"The fund acts as a critical student success tool to alleviate the financial burden many student survivors face because of their victimization so that they can focus on their academic progression," she says.

To learn more and contribute to the fund, go here. To view the Denim Day emergency fund video, go here.

The day will wrap up with a storytelling event at 6 p.m. in Pokes Pub, located on the Wyoming Union's lower level.

"Join us with your jeans on for an inspiring evening as we tell the galvanizing stories of bystanders and survivors," says Bob Vines, UW violence prevention coordinator.

Appetizers will be provided, with beverages for purchase available at Pokes Pub.

The community is encouraged to attend a Green Dot training to gain skills as bystanders using the three "D's" -- direct, distract and delegate -- to prevent sexual and interpersonal violence.

"If you or someone you know is in need of support related to sexual assault, relationship abuse, sexual harassment or stalking, please know that you are not alone, and support is available," Thorson says.

Confidential resources can be found at UW's University Counseling Center, Psychology Center and Employee Assistance Program; and Albany County SAFE Project and Ivinson Memorial Hospital SANE program.

Nonconfidential resources available are UW's Dean of Students Office; Equal Opportunity Report and Response/Title IX office; and Police Department.

For more information, call the UW Dean of Students Office at (307) 766-3298 or email [email protected].

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