FLEMINGTON, NJ, APRIL 21, 2009 -- SAFE in Hunterdon invites community members, elected officials, businesses, organizations and
students to make a statement, take a stand and wear denim to promote the end of sexual violence. A vital part of Sexual Assault Awareness
Month, Denim Day is a recognized national campaign that was created to raise awareness and educate the public about rape and sexual assault.
Why denim? In Italy in 1997, a 17-year-old girl was raped by her 56-year-old driving instructor during her first driving lesson. Abandoned in an
alley, she was forced to find her way back home. She pressed charges and won. The driving instructor was convicted of rape and sentenced to
jail. Months later, her rapist appealed the sentence. The case made its way to the Supreme Court where the sentence is overturned and charges
dismissed. The perpetrator was released. The judge released a statement saying, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to
help him remove them… and by removing the jeans… it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
Enraged by the verdict, people throughout Italy launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. Their actions motivated
groups and individuals throughout the world—and Denim Day was born. Wearing jeans has since become an international symbol of protest
against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.
How can you help? On April 28th, join the movement and break the dress code to break the silence. Coordinate a Denim Day at your business,
organization or school and collect $5 from participants for SAFE in Hunterdon. Spread the word! Tell friends and family about Denim Day and
why it's so important. For questions or more information on how to coordinate your own Denim Day or participate, call our volunteer
coordinator at (908) 788-7666. You can also make donations online at www.safeinhunterdon.org/denimday.
About SAFE in Hunterdon
In an atmosphere of professionalism, excellence and compassion, the mission of SAFE in Hunterdon is to provide safety through free and
confidential services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, including all ages, genders, cultures, religions, sexual orientations
and abilities; empower victims, survivors and their families to live enriched lives free from violence; heighten our community’s awareness of
domestic and sexual abuse; and end domestic and sexual abuse in society. Through a 24-hour hotline, safe and transitional housing, legal
advocacy, individual and group counseling, community education and PALS, a unique children’s arts therapy program, SAFE in Hunterdon
delivers critical support services to the many families that have experienced violence in their lives. For more information, please visit www.
safeinhunterdon.org or call (908) 788-7666. If you or someone you know is need of help, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1 (888) 988-4033
or (908) 788-4044.
students to make a statement, take a stand and wear denim to promote the end of sexual violence. A vital part of Sexual Assault Awareness
Month, Denim Day is a recognized national campaign that was created to raise awareness and educate the public about rape and sexual assault.
Why denim? In Italy in 1997, a 17-year-old girl was raped by her 56-year-old driving instructor during her first driving lesson. Abandoned in an
alley, she was forced to find her way back home. She pressed charges and won. The driving instructor was convicted of rape and sentenced to
jail. Months later, her rapist appealed the sentence. The case made its way to the Supreme Court where the sentence is overturned and charges
dismissed. The perpetrator was released. The judge released a statement saying, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to
help him remove them… and by removing the jeans… it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
Enraged by the verdict, people throughout Italy launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. Their actions motivated
groups and individuals throughout the world—and Denim Day was born. Wearing jeans has since become an international symbol of protest
against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.
How can you help? On April 28th, join the movement and break the dress code to break the silence. Coordinate a Denim Day at your business,
organization or school and collect $5 from participants for SAFE in Hunterdon. Spread the word! Tell friends and family about Denim Day and
why it's so important. For questions or more information on how to coordinate your own Denim Day or participate, call our volunteer
coordinator at (908) 788-7666. You can also make donations online at www.safeinhunterdon.org/denimday.
About SAFE in Hunterdon
In an atmosphere of professionalism, excellence and compassion, the mission of SAFE in Hunterdon is to provide safety through free and
confidential services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, including all ages, genders, cultures, religions, sexual orientations
and abilities; empower victims, survivors and their families to live enriched lives free from violence; heighten our community’s awareness of
domestic and sexual abuse; and end domestic and sexual abuse in society. Through a 24-hour hotline, safe and transitional housing, legal
advocacy, individual and group counseling, community education and PALS, a unique children’s arts therapy program, SAFE in Hunterdon
delivers critical support services to the many families that have experienced violence in their lives. For more information, please visit www.
safeinhunterdon.org or call (908) 788-7666. If you or someone you know is need of help, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1 (888) 988-4033
or (908) 788-4044.
| Break the Dress Code to Break the Silence Join SAFE in Hunterdon and your community—wear jeans to work to raise awareness and take a stand against sexual assault |
| SAFE in Hunterdon • 47 E. Main Street • Flemington, NJ 08822 • Outreach office: 908-788-7666 • 24-hour hotline: 888-988-4033 |
Media Contact:
Andrea Lovas
Manager, Donor
Relations & Events
(908) 788-7666 x213
alovas@safeinhunterdon.org
Andrea Lovas
Manager, Donor
Relations & Events
(908) 788-7666 x213
alovas@safeinhunterdon.org
Serving victims and survivors of domestic
and sexual abuse for over 30 years
and sexual abuse for over 30 years
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 24-hour Toll-free Hotline 1 (888) 988-4033 In case of emergency, please dial 911 |
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