The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

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April 21, 2011

SAAFE House to sponsor Denim Day

By Tori Brock Staff Reporter

HUNTSVILLE — Tight jeans, a low-cut blouse, being in the wrong place at the wrong time — these are all excuses for something there is no excuse for — sexual assault.

The SAAFE House in Huntsville is sponsoring Denim Day 2011 on Wednesday and is asking the community to wear jeans in support of their message. Denim Day began in response to a 1999 court case where an Italian High Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans at the time of the assault.

Jolene Miller, executive director of the SAAFE House, said the event doesn't cost a dime and yet sends a powerful message.

“It requires nothing but the clothing. It's a good way of saying we want zero tolerance for sexual assault,” she said. “We want community support in raising awareness. I hope businesses support it by allowing their employees to wear denim.”

The SAAFE House became involved with Denim Day last year, but only involved local organizations. This year, Miller said, she'd like to see the entire community become involved.

“It's this new thing we're doing and every year we're going to see how we can make a bigger statement,” she said. “It's another way of having awareness in the community. I think it's a huge statement to make.”

Miller said the SAAFE House works to bring awareness to the community on a variety of issues, including sexual assault and violence against women.

“Our ultimate goal is to bring awareness to the issues of what a sex assault survivor has to deal with,” she said. “It's a neat way of making a statement of how a survivor was judged because of her appearance. It is such a critical issue we deal with, from the criminal process to social awareness. More blame tends to go to the victim.”

The community needs to take a stand, Miller said, and say nothing gives someone the right to rape.

For more information, call the SAAFE House at (936) 291-3529. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, call the 24-hour hotline at (936) 291-3369.

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