As a part of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this year’s Denim Day celebrated 25 years of impact. Since 1999, the Peace Over Violence campaign has sought to inspire survivors and change attitudes towards sexual assault victims. Now, as an international event, Denim Day is now the longest running sexual violence prevention education campaign in history. Not only does it encourage individuals to wear denim is solidarity with survivors, but encourages a social movement to break down victim blaming, destructive myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
Harrison Blakely, who works for the Violence Prevention Center, made note that it’s about more than just Denim Day but that the whole month of April is an opportunity to see and support sexual assault victims and survivors. (Laura Antholzner Photo)
According to the Dean of Students Office website, about 18.2 percent of University of Wyoming students report being sexually assaulted. To combat this, the university has not only deeply implemented programs like Green Dot, but has also set up a Survivor Emergency Fund that opens twice a year (Denim Day and Giving Day) so that donors can provide relief and resources to student survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking.
President Ed Seidel was seen in the Union Breezeway wearing denim, touching base with organizations like Restorative Justice Circle and Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW) Student Government. (Laura Antholzner Photo)
This year, the Union Breezeway provided a plethora of resources to any and all students but also an exhibit similar to the Love Better Store on display in February that displayed sexual assault victim survivor clothing as well as personal testimonies from them. While the temporary exhibit is no longer on display, there is a smaller one located in a glass display case on the west wall adjacent to the new 7220 office.
Bob Vines, Violence Prevention Coordinator.
“Denim Day is an international celebration to wear denim in solidarity with sexual assault victims. It has a long rich history, and it’s important to show that we stand with these individuals.” (Laura Antholzner Photo)
Additionally, in the Branding Iron Vol. 133, Issue 129, is a Letter to the Editor from Ron Blake, in charge of the Blake Late Show, who is a traveling sexual assault awareness advocate. He uses his personal testimony to remind others that there are support systems out there, and that survivors are to be seen and heard. In that letter, he expressed that the University of Wyoming felt like a second home to him due the outpouring support.
Carly Neidel and Lauren Zinder, two students, dressed in denim to show their solidarity not just on Denim Day, but insisted that solidarity and support should be shown every day. (Laura Antholzner Photo)
