Standing in Solidarity with Survivors of Sexual Violence

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM2024) in the U.S. SAAM is intended to raise awareness about sexual assault, educate our community about prevention and cultivate support of survivors.

As part of our programming for the month, YWCA Brooklyn sponsors the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk with The Healing Center. Research shows that 1 in 10 teens in NYC school reported physical or sexual violence in a dating relationship in the past year. The walk and rally are a chance for young people to take action and make their voices heard on this important issue. The resounding message of this year’s edition was Break the Silence, Stop the Violence.

Each year in Brooklyn, hundreds wear denim to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault on Denim Day. YWCA Brooklyn is a proud partner of DenimDayNYC, part of a global a movement commemorated on April 24 as a response to an unjust ruling in which the Italian Supreme Court overturned a conviction and released a perpetrator of sexual violence. The Court found that the survivor’s jeans were so tight that she must have helped her attacker remove them, thus making a case for consent. Today, survivors and allies continue sharing their stories and wearing their denim on this day to make sure no one forgets the importance of consent.

The day begins with a march across the Brooklyn Bridge en route to Foley Square. There, elected officials and community partners organize opening remarks, performances, and share resources for survivors and allies. This year, among the confirmed speakers were Council Members Carmen De La Rosa and Julie Menin, Co-Chairs of the Women’s Caucus.