Showing support for sexual assault survivors during April

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An illustration of the teal Sexual Assault Awareness Month ribbon

HFC joins institutions and organizations nationwide in recognizing National Crimes Victims’ Rights Week – the week of April 19-25 – and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These observances emphasize the importance of supporting victims of crime, raising awareness, and promoting access to resources for sexual assault survivors.

This year’s theme for NCRVW is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

Throughout April, HFC Student Conduct, Compliance, and Title IX will host educational and awareness events to inform the campus community and connect individuals with local support services. All events are free.

Resource table on April 22

In recognition of NCVRW, HFC will host a resource table available on Wednesday, April 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Pavilion of the John McDonald Student and Culinary Arts Center (Building M on the main campus).

This resource table will provide you with access to information, support services, and community resources regarding victim advocacy and empowerment. Local organizations will share materials, answer questions, and connect you with services that support victims of crime.

Intimate Partner Violence Prevention 101 on April 23

Join Zoom meeting on April 23
Please join us for this free, informative virtual session on Thursday, April 23.

HFC and First Step Domestic & Sexual Violence Services will host a presentation on “Intimate Partner Violence Prevention 101: Love Without Limits – Recognizing and Responding to Intimate Partner Violence” on Thursday, April 23, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.

This presentation will give an overview of intimate partner violence, including how to recognize warning signs, understand available resources, and support people who are affected by violence. There will be a Q&A session at the end.

First Step is Wayne County's free intimate partner and sexual assault services provider. In this session, you will:

  • Learn how to recognize the signs of abuse.
  • Debunk common myths.
  • Understand barriers survivors face.
  • Explore how to safely support someone experiencing violence and how to access resources for yourself or others.

Denim Day on April 29

All HFC students and employees from both campuses are invited to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 29. This international campaign raises awareness about sexual violence and challenges misconceptions surrounding victim-blaming.

In Italy in 1992, a 45-year-old driving instructor sexually assaulted his student, an 18-year-old female, during her first driving lesson. Although this man was subsequently convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to prison, he appealed the conviction several years later, stating that the incident had been consensual.

The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction. As a result, the assailant was released from prison. The Court’s argument was that because the female was wearing tight jeans that would be hard to remove, she must have helped the assailant remove them. This would indicate that the incident was consensual. This convoluted rationale has since become known as the “jeans alibi.”

Enraged by the verdict, women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest by wearing jeans on the steps of the Italian Supreme Court. This protest made international news, which inspired members of the California State Senate and the California State Assembly to do the same on the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento.

In 1999, Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, a victims rights advocate and executive director of what is now called Peace Over Violence, established Denim Day in Los Angeles. This has become an international event. Wearing jeans on this day has become an international symbol of protest against attitudes that sexual assault is the victim's fault. It is also an effort to bring about justice and support for survivors. As of 2008, the Italian Supreme Court no longer recognizes a “jeans alibi” for sexual assault.

For questions or more information about any of these events, contact: