A Fashion Statement Against Gender-Based Violence

Jeans and T-shirts carry special meaning this week during two events recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Wednesday, April 29, is Denim Day, a day during which many groups across the nation wear jeans to show support for survivors of gender-based violence. This year, Sexual Violence Response, part of Columbia Health, is encouraging Columbians to participate by wearing jeans and posting photos of themselves to Facebook with #DenimDay - Why Do You Wear Denim?”  Among the participants will be many in CUMC Facilities Management and Campus Services, a department which is encouraging staff to wear jeans and uniformed workers to don Denim Day stickers if they wish to participate.

And from Monday, April 27, through Wednesday, April 29, T-shirts will become personal pieces of public art in the Hammer Health Sciences Center to raise awareness of gender-based violence. As part of the Clothesline Project, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Action Group (SHAG), a student group at the Mailman School of Public Health, along with the Center for Student Wellness and Sexual Violence Response, invite community members to stop by Hammer Lower Level 1 from April 27-29 to decorate T-shirts to illustrate how sexual violence, sexual harassment, and/or LGBTQ-related discrimination has impacted one’s own life or that of a loved one. Shirts will be displayed in Hammer as an interactive art installation. Shirts and decorating materials will be provided, and those who want to decorate shirts privately may contact SHAG at mailmanshag@gmail.com.

Read more on the Facebook event pages for Denim Day and the Clothesline Project.