Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a national effort to raise awareness and education about sexual violence. This year's campaign is focused on youth. Operation Care is encouraging Amador County residents to participate by getting involved in one or more of the activities planned during the month.
April 23rd is Denim Day!
Wear denim in order to raise awareness against rape and sexual violence. Denim Day was established in 1996 when a rape case was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court. In this case, the perpetrator, who had been previously convicted for rape, argued that because the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the rapist take off her pants during her assault, therefore making it consensual. This decision created a widespread campaign known as "Denim Day" in which jeans are worn on the last Wednesday of April to protest sexual violence.
Wear Teal Color
Baskets filled with teal bracelets, ribbons, and stickers can be found at various locations throughout the county. Spread the word and invite your friends and family to show their support by speaking up against sexual violence. For the locations of the baskets please contact Operation Care at 209.223.2897 or stop by the office at 619 New York Ranch Rd in Jackson for FREE teal sexual assault awareness items!
"Why Denim?" T-shirts
To adorn your denim on April 23rd, Operation Care will be providing free "Why Denim?" T-shirts, while supplies last. Call 223-2897 to reserve your shirt.
Balloon Release
Last but not least, keep a look out for the balloons that will be released to represent the1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men that are sexually assaulted every 2 minutes in the United States. Look to the sky for teal balloons throughout the day. If you see them take a picture and upload on www.facebook.com/operationcare and let everyone know where you saw them.
About Operation Care
Operation Care has been providing services and safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1980. During the 2012/13 fiscal year, Operation Care housed 88 women, children, and men. Advocates helped 42 victims with temporaryrestraining orders, and provided crisis intervention to 30 sexual assault victims. The staffprovided 323 peer counseling sessions, and hundreds of transports to appointments, court, and other locations. The mission of the organization is to provide domestic violence and sexual assault support services, crisis intervention and education in our community. For more information call 209-223-2897 or visit www.operationcare.org andwww.facebook.com/operationcare.
