��������

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the last Wednesday is recognized as Denim Day, which is a day to honor survivors of sexual assault. Denim Day originated after a rape conviction was overturned by an Italian Supreme Court in the 90's. The court ruled that the victim's jeans were too tight for her attacker to remove forcibly, so she must have consented. In response, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans on the Supreme Court's steps to protest the ruling and support the victim. The protest caught the attention of advocates around the world, and they joined to eventually recognize the first Denim Day in Los Angeles in 1999. It's been recognized annually since. The Crisis Center offers resources year-round, but takes time acknowledge survivors on this day. "We want them to know it's not their fault. We want them to know that we're here to support them," said Kristin Rezek, the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) coordinator for The Crisis Center.The Crisis Center offers resources in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault such as sexual assault kits, evidence collection, advocates and preventative medicine for STIs.“So it may have been too long, you know, for evidence to be collected or to get preventative medications, but we can�� everyone who has experienced sexual violence can come here and, you know, talk to someone, get support, get counseling," said Shay McKay, a SANE nurse at The Crisis Center. The center also wants survivors to know that resources are available for all circumstances regarding sexual assault."We talk about rape, but sexual violence, sexual touching, anything that was inappropriate and that the victim did not consent to, we are here to support you for that," said Rezek.Contact The Crisis Center at 205-323-7273 for more on how to access the available services.The center is open 24/7 to anyone and resources are free of charge.