Students raise awareness about sexual assault and promote ways of allyship on National Denim Day

National Denim Day was created after an Italian teenager was raped by her driving instructor. The case was overturned by the jeans alibi which suggests that the teen had to help her attacker take off her tight-fitting jeans. On the last Wednesday of April many people wear jeans in solidarity with the victim. // Photo courtesy of Planned Parenthood.

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is used to raise awareness and support survivors – especially on college campuses. Hofstra students can join the conversation surrounding sexual assault and participate in events like National Denim Day on Wednesday, April 28.

“National Denim Day is when we all wear jeans with the purpose of supporting survivors and help raise awareness of sexual assault,” said Cassity Stewart, a senior public relations major and co-president of Her Campus Hofstra. “Her Campus will definitely take part in National Denim Day, and we encourage other clubs and organizations to do the same.”

Members of Her Campus plan on wearing jeans for National Denim Day.

“I do plan on wearing jeans for National Denim Day because I want to be someone that survivors can come to for support,” said Hannah Rowe, a sophomore music education major. Rowe is a member of Her Campus and she advocates for more conversations regarding sexual assault. “I also want to be someone who actively spreads awareness so we continue to learn about sexual assault/abuse,” Rowe said.

To help spread awareness, students who choose to participate in National Denim Day can post pictures to social media and tag local organizations like Long Island Against Domestic Violence (@liadvorg) or The Safe Center (@thesafecenterli). Some organizations are hosting events on media platforms to get younger generations involved.

“Chalk About Consent” is an activity created by a local non-profit organization, Long Island Against Domestic Violence (LIADV). This encourages people to create chalk art about sexual assault. Pictures of the participants artwork can be posted on social media using #chalkaboutconsent.

“I definitely plan on posting to my Instagram story for National Denim Day, because social media is a great way to raise awareness and spread the word,” said Nata Mushkudiani, a senior public relations major. “To me, National Denim Day is all about letting survivors know they are not alone and they always have resources to reach out to, which is why it’s so important to tag local non-profit abuse shelters in these posts.”

LIADV is a resource Hofstra students can use. The organization believes that having conversations about sexual assault can help make a difference in campus culture.

“We often think of sexual assault as a stranger jumping out of a bush when in fact the vast majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone known to the victim,” said Danielle Lucksted, LIADV’s community educator. “Long Island Against Domestic Violence emphasizes that it is never the victim’s fault no matter the circumstances. [Our] hotline is available 24/7 so anyone with questions can feel as educated and supported as possible.”

Students who want to utilize campus resources can do so by contacting the Title IX office.

Trainings are held for all student leaders, club sport team members, athletes and incoming students. The office tries to bring awareness about sexual assault, how to report an incident and what departments to call in case of emergency.

“Resources are always available to students relating to sexual assault and domestic violence, including the Title IX Coordinator for Student Issues, Public Safety, Student Counseling Services, Student Health Services, the police and off-campus resources like The Safe Center LI,” said Allison Vernace, Title IX coordinator for student issues. “The Title IX Office also helps connect students to other non-profit organizations based on the student's location and needs.” 

Sororities on campus are not only using this month to increase sexual assault awareness but are also pushing for more advocacy.

“We can use this month as an opportunity to really break down and understand what sexual assault, sexual violence and relationship abuse is and what it looks like,” said Katherine Chwe, a junior film studies and production major.

Chwe, who serves as Alpha Phi’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, says the sorority is planning to collect products to help those in need. “This month, Alpha Phi is having sisters gather much-needed feminine personal care and hygiene products to donate to LIADV to help out and promote conversation and awareness,” Chwe said.

If you need an outlet for counseling, please contact one of the resources below:

Hofstra’s Title IX Offices: (516) 463-5841 – StudentTitleIX@hofstra.edu

LIADV 24/7 Hotline: (631) 666-8833 – info@liadv.org

The Safe Center Long Island Hotline: 516-542-0404, info@tscli.org