Listen To NP Kubota Podcast with RDAP
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and advocates across the country—and right here in Nebraska—are speaking out to support survivors and raise awareness. Today, April 30, marks Denim Day, a global campaign that began more than two decades ago to challenge misconceptions about sexual violence.
Taylor, a representative with the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program (RDAP) in North Platte, said the day has powerful origins.
“Denim Day began in 1998 as a protest against a ruling in Italy,” she explained. “A rape conviction was overturned, with the court claiming that the female victim’s tight jeans implied consent. It sparked outrage around the world, and ever since, people have worn denim on this day to show solidarity with survivors and to reject harmful myths about sexual assault.”
RDAP staff and volunteers are out in the community today encouraging people to wear denim and learn more about the realities of sexual violence.
They’re also in need of monetary donations that they’re hoping for through NorthPlatteGivingDay on May 7. RDAP told the post that they’ll be short over $300,000 this year due to federal budget cuts. You can donate early at NorthPlatteGiving.org, also. As part of today's events, the Runza restaurant at the corner of E and Jeffers Street in North Platte will be donating 10% of its sales between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to RDAP.
“We’re grateful for local businesses stepping up,” Taylor said. “Every bit helps us provide support, advocacy, and resources to survivors in our area.”
For more information about RDAP or to get involved, residents are encouraged to visit the organization’s website or reach out directly.