Under the observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, officials with Sanctuary Inc. and Hopkinsville Community College gathered in partnership Monday afternoon to showcase “Decorate Your Denim” projects — just in time for this week’s 25th anniversary of the international celebration “Denim Day.”
Zirconia Vansauwa, Sanctuary’s communications and community engagement coordinator, noted the history of “Denim Day” came from dark beginnings in Italy’s Supreme Court.
Toting a minor in fashion merchandising, Vansauwa added that discussions leading into April brought about a compromise between an empowering fashion show and a craft project — nurturing awareness and momentum.
Channeling messages of hope, healing and solidarity, 16 pairs of jeans each have a different message, and include not only women’s wear, but also men’s and children’s because “anybody can be a victim.”
Heather Lancaster, Sanctuary’s executive director, reported that in the United States, and individual is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, and during April, events like this, “Chalk the Walk” and “Wear Your Teal” foster acknowledgment of a worldly problem.
Sanctuary, she said, offers 24/7 confidential availability for the Pennyrile, with supports in place for sexual violence therapy, shelter and education.
A recently-opened “Safe Room,” she added, can bring comforts to those experiencing trauma.
Lanita Wilson, HCC’s director of CDL and youth program facilitation, said these jeans would be on display all around campus over the next few weeks.
And it’s all open to the public.
Vansauwa closed with praise to Flynn Enterprises, who answered a Sanctuary request for jeans with “How many pairs do you need?”
Jeans Descriptions:
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