A Message To All The Sexual Assault Survivors After Denim Day | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Message To All The Sexual Assault Survivors After Denim Day

To all survivors: you are strong, and you will feel secure once again.

Litzy
Apr 30, 2021
The Narrative
52
A Message To All The Sexual Assault Survivors After Denim Day
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Denim Day began as an international symbol of protest against the Italian Supreme Court rape conviction in 1998.

Since then, every year wearing jeans on Denim Day is done to destroy the myths, stigma, and attitudes surrounding sexual assault. Because a new "trend" has emerged and many closed-minded (and, frankly, disgusting in my book) men, no, BOYS, have stated that April 24th is "National Rape Day." I feel that this article should be written. Not only does creating this trend make it seem that the experience that the 97% isn't important, but it undermines the voices of women, men, and children who have been strong enough to report it to the authorities. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), for the thousand rapes that happen, only 384 are reported to the police. This only leads to 57 arrests, 11 prosecutions, 7 convictions, and 6 incarcerations.

So many times, we have heard that it wasn't the man's fault because he couldn't help himself.

Because she was wearing a skirt. She was wearing jeans. She had leggings on. Shorts. Capris. Sweatpants. Khakis. A dress. The most heartbreaking one I have seen yet is a onesie. But what I am trying to say is that it wasn't what you, your daughter, your sister, your friend, or your mom were wearing. It was that person's fault. They could help themselves. You did not deserve what happened. The events that happened were not your fault. You did absolutely nothing wrong to cause this to happen. One of the biggest things that I will encourage is for you to find access to a therapist or just someone to open up to about this that will listen and help you through this incident every step of the way. You are heard and just because some immature men want to pretend that you are an object, it does not mean that you are. At all.

You are strong, and you will feel secure once again.

If you are the friend or family of someone who is going through something like this at the moment, the most important thing that you can do for the person is to listen to them and believe them. Encourage them to report the assault and be readily available to be there for them. Encourage them to get a medical exam as well if it isn't too late.

I will conclude with this statement.

It may not be all men, but we have to be prepared for it to be every man. So yes, it is all men.

National Sexual Assault Hotlines 24/7

Chat Online: online.rainn.org

Call: 800.656.4673

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools
54
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
Swoon

To The Girl Who Falls Too Fast, Never Be Ashamed Of How Hard You Love

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

2690
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

Florida State University
467
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
equestrian
Health and Wellness

To The Burnt-Out College Student, Keep Going

When you're struggling to keep afloat, keep going.

West Chester University
622
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
burnout
Health and Wellness

No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead

Panicking and pulling all-nighters will not allow you to get an A.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook
561
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments