By: Maddy Albanese

Content Warning: There will be discussions surrounding sexual assault and rape.

What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is annually in April to bring awareness to and prevent sexual assault as well as support survivors. RAINN defines sexual assault as, “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim”.

Denim Day

Denim Day this year is April 24th, 2024. But what is Denim Day?

Denim Day is an annual program that asks anyone and everyone to wear jeans as a visible protest. This was created in response to what became known as the “Jeans Alibi” in Italy. A 45-year-old man had sexually assaulted an 18-year-old. The 45-year-old claimed that because the 18-year-old’s jeans were too tight, she had to help him remove them, meaning it was consensual. The women in Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans, and international media picked it up. This protest has been held annually in April since.

For more information visit: denimday.org.

Denim Day is recognized at UW-Whitewater each year in the six-pack. To keep up to date with Denim Day at Whitewater this year, follow their Instagram: @uwwdenimday.

How can you support Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

Social Media: Spread the word on social media! Use hashtags like #sexualassultawarenessmonth, #SAAM2024, #SAAM, and share other posts aiming to spread awareness, support survivors, and prevent sexual assault.

Participating in Denim Day: Participate in Denim Day by wearing your denim and jeans to protest victim blaming often associated with sexual assault.

Education: Continuing to educate yourself and others on topics such as sexual assault, rape, consent, safe sex, and more is important to prevent and be aware of when sexual assault is occurring.

On-Campus Resources

Title IX 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)

Dean of Students: https://www.uww.edu/dean-of-students

CARE Team: https://www.uww.edu/dean-of-students/support-services/care-team

UHCS: https://www.uww.edu/uhcs

Safe Sex Express:https://www.uww.edu/uhcs/safe-sex-express

UWWPolice Non-Emergnecy Line: 262-472-4660

Coalition Against Sexual and Interpersonal Violence (CASIV): CASIV@uww.edu, @uww_casiv on Instagram

Sexual Assault Prevention Advisory Committee: Wellness@uww.edu

Off-Campus Resources

RAINN National Sexual Assult Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

New Beginnings: (262) 723-4653, newbeginningswalworth@gmail.com 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): https://www.nsvrc.org/survivors