ywrape crisis center: events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2010

Denim Day in NJ
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

This is the 3rd Annual “Denim Day in NJ” to be observed in Bergen County and the first year that Denim Day will be celebrated officially throughout the state of New Jersey! This day-long observance is dedicated to raising awareness about consent and the prevention of sexual violence. 

Wearing jeans in April has been an international symbol of protest of harmful attitudes about rape since 1997, when an Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans. After the decision, women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work.

New Jersey’s efforts to adopt Denim Day as an official statewide observance were spearheaded by the Rape Crisis Center, which will host a presentation to recognize the legislators, community members and supporters who helped make it a reality. The public is invited to attend this event on April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the steps of the Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Hackensack.

The center will focus its Denim Day efforts on partnering with Bergen County high schools and colleges to educate students about the issues of consent and healthy relationships as well as the prevention of sexual violence. The community is also invited to make donations through the “Dollars for Denim” campaign and “wear jeans with a purpose” to show their support. Proceeds support the center’s vital advocacy services for those impacted by sexual assault, including the county’s only 24/7 rape crisis hotline. For information or to make a donation, please call 201-487-2227.

Interested in creating your own Denim Day in NJ event? Our online toolkit is filled with information, ideas and materials. Denim Day Toolkit Click Here.

For info and photos from Denim Day 2009 events, click here.

Survivors’ Art and Poetry Exhibit: The Art of Healing from Sexual Victimization
This annual event took place on Tuesday, April 6th at the Ramapo College Student Center, acknowledging survivors of sexual violence and celebrating their healing process in a safe, supportive environment.

Creating artwork and writing poetry are powerful means of expressing some of the strong emotions that are experienced by survivors of rape, incest and sexual abuse.  The power can be used to propel survivors toward/through their healing process.

Click here to read all about the event and watch a video produced by students Michelle Angelino, Dave Jones and Doug Kalinowski for the The Ramapo Record.