For All Seasons hosted its first community Denim Day event at the Talbot County Court House in Easton, MD. Denim Day was created 20 years ago after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Participants wore denim with a purpose on this day to show their support in ending sexual violence and to protest the misconceptions and victim-blaming around sexual violence.
Photo: Proclamations were read by Senator Addie Eckardt and Mayor Bob Willey for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They are pictured with For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center and Hotline staff. Pictured back row L-R are Katharine Petzold, Alberto Ardaya, Melissa Cardoso, Royshonda Boulden, and Lauren Kirby. Pictured front row L-R are Dawn Wilson, Fabiola Marquez, Michely Valentin, Yeslee Olivo-Martinez, Senator Addie Eckardt, Beth Anne Langrell, Ivy Garcia, Stella Lee Coulbourne, and Mayor Bob Willey. (Photo courtesy of Amy Blades Steward)
Senator Addie Eckardt and Mayor Bob Willey presented proclamations and Don McPherson, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, activist and feminist spoke about the importance of ending sexual violence. “Today we have the opportunity to start a conversation that is essential to the community. Denim Day isn’t just about a day, it’s about bringing awareness to an issue and using that awareness to make the commitment to continue the conversation and to join For All Seasons and its partners in ending sexual violence.” For All Seasons’ 2019 sexual assault campaign focuses on the message “#metoo. We believe you.” The campaign is targeted at helping both men and women talk about this issue and to not be afraid to tell their stories about sexual assault.
Participants enjoyed a special teal-colored ice for Sexual Assault Awareness Month provided by Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Easton as they from signed denim quilts to be given to victims of sexual assault.
For All Seasons serves Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates; counseling and support groups, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court, and referrals to social and legal services. For All Seasons English Hotline is 1-800-310-RAPE (7273) and Spanish Hotline is 410-829-6143.
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