City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: April 2, 2024
From: Michael Earl, Director of Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Submitted by: Lisette Grizzelle, Senior Human Resources Analyst Subject
Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day
Recommendation
Proclaim April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 24, 2024 as Denim Day in the City of Vernon.
Background
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign that aims to raise public awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. Each year, during the month of April, state and local government agencies, education institutions and community-based organizations take part in this effort to highlight sexual violence as a public health, human rights and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.
As a part of this effort, Denim Day, typically observed on the last Wednesday in April, is a day of action on which individuals are encouraged to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans. Denim Day protests an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans. Denim Day serves as a visible means of awareness against misconceptions that surround sexual assault, and provides an opportunity to educate all people in the community about the true impact of rape and sexual assault.
The City can participate in this important campaign by proclaiming the month of April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 24, 2024 as Denim Day and encourage employees, residents, and members of the business community to wear jeans on said date.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Proclamation – Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day