April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and in order tor raise awareness, Mayor Tom Barrett endorses Denim Day on Wednesday, April 27 as a way to build a community of support for survivors.
"On April 27th, I invite all City of Milwaukee employees and local businesses to wear jeans and show that you, too, stand in support of survivors," says Barrett.
Denim Day – an international movement that encourages people to wear jeans to raise awareness about sexual assault – was started years ago after a woman in Italy was raped by her driving instructor. The man was originally convicted, but later a judge overturned the conviction because it was decided the victim was wearing tight jeans and, therefore, because she most likely had to assist in the removal of the pants, she gave consent to the rape.
This year’s efforts focus on the importance of engaging men and boys to end sexual violence. However, it is also important to acknowledge the challenges faced by men and boys who have experienced assault because one in six men have experienced unwanted or abusive sexual experiences before the age of 18.
"Like all victims, these experiences have negative impacts on their health and wellbeing. This is why it is essential to involve all members of our community to end sexual violence," says Barrett.
For more information, go to denimdaymke.org or the Facebook page. For Denim Day stickers, please contact Erin Perkins, at the City of Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault at eperkin@milwaukee.gov or (414) 286-2997.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
