COLUMBUS, Ohio –
DSCC workforce is Going the Distance on Denim Day to raise awareness against Sexual Assault.
DLA is helping to spread the word across the DLA enterprise about the SAPR program and resources, but most important, participation in this month's events such as Denim Day and Teal Tuesdays show support for survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Events are geared to provide information, resources and options in a safe environment. Victims have reported that events like these where stories and resources have been shared gave them the information, resources and strength needed to report and know they are not alone.
Why denim?
Denim Day is a call to action resulting from a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a sexual assault convention was overturned based on the justices belief that the victim's jeans were so tight that she must have helped the attacker remove them, thereby implying consent. The women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans the next day in solidarity of the victim. In April 1999, Denim Day was established in the United States. Today, Denim Day is promoted worldwide in response to this case as a protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.
Resources:
Local Resources:
DLA Land & Maritime SARC/VA
- For information & resources call 614-692-8846
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For 24/7 response call 1-800-841-0937
Additional Military SAPR Program Contacts:
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Ohio National Guard – 877-751-5628
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Navy Recruiting District Ohio – 847-489-8196
- Wright Patterson Air Force Base – 937-689-2154 (MTF also available at this site)
Nearest hospital for a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE):
Mt. Carmel East
6001 E Broad St
Columbus, OH 43213
614-234-6010
Local Civilian Sexual Assault Crisis Center:
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Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO): 614-267-7020
Additional SAPR Resources:
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DoD Safe Helpline: available to military members for SAPR reporting & resources
- MyDuty.mil: prevention & reporting options
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RAINN: national sexual assault hotline
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Vet Center: military sexual trauma for active duty & combat veterans
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Every 107 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.
- 1 out of 6 women & 1 out of 33 men are assaulted in their lifetimes.
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We have a responsibility to do our part in not only preventing sexual assault but by educating ourselves on how to support survivors.
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It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially when that person is a family member, friend, or loved one. Consider the following ways of showing support:
- Listen. Communicate without judgment.
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Be there. If the survivor seeks medical attention or plans to report, offer to be there. Your presence can offer the support they need.
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Encourage self-care. Following an assault it is important to practice good self-care during this difficult time.
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Offer support. Encourage the survivor to get support. Share resources like the SAPR team has available today but realize that only the survivor can make the decision to get help.
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Be patient. There is no timetable for recovering from trauma. Avoid putting pressure on them to engage in activities they aren’t ready to do yet.