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Navy Region Singapore Observes Denim Day 2016
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Sailors and Navy Civilian personnel based in Singapore observed Denim Day April 27 to stand with past and current victims of sexual assault.
The Denim Day observance was part of a host of activities planned throughout Navy Region Singapore for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
The observance included a gathering to commemorate the significance of the day and included a ceremonial group photo of participants in denim attire.
"This has truly been a month of awareness here in Navy Region Singapore," said Lt. Russ Ferguson, command chaplain. "We've done more than the recognition at the beginning of the month and the traditional cake cutting. We've had an event to recognize sexual assault prevention just about every week and it really shows with the participation we have for Denim Day."
Denim Day began in 1992 after an 18-year-old girl in Italy was sexually assaulted by her driving instructor. The man was later convicted and sentenced to prison. In 1999, he appealed the sentence and the case went to the Italian Supreme Court where the conviction was overturned based on the argument that the victim was wearing tight jeans that led to the assault. Enraged by the verdict, women in Parliament came to work the next day wearing jeans in support of the victim.
"The event was originally organized more than 20 years ago to stand with the sole victim of that particular incident," said Ann Wilson, regional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for Navy Region Center Singapore. "Through the years it's developed into standing with all victims of sexual assault to let
these people know they are not alone or forgotten."
The first Denim Day in the U.S. was held in Los Angeles in 1999; since then it has been observed by a variety of businesses, schools, and government agencies around the world.
"It' a fun way to address a serious issue," said Wilson. "Everyone is a bit more relaxed and can interact with the people in their community to help break down barriers around this important message. We hope that everybody will participate if they're able to."
Eliminating sexual assault requires everyone to be a steadfast participant in creating an appropriate environment and upholding the Navy's core values.
"The Navy expects us to foster a culture of respect and events like this are part of how we embrace this culture," said Ferguson. "Denim Day was a great success here in Singapore and across our Navy."
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