UW Denim Day April 19 for Sexual Violence Prevention Awareness

Members of the University of Wyoming community are invited to join millions of people across the world to wear denim with a purpose on UW’s Denim Day, an internationally recognized movement to bring awareness to sexual violence prevention.

While National Denim Day is April 27, UW’s observance is Tuesday, April 19.

Participants are encouraged to wear denim and post pictures of support that day using the hashtag “cowboysweardenim” as well as donate to the Survivor Emergency Fund, used to help student survivors remain in school and complete their degrees. For more information, go to www.uwyo.edu/dos/sexualmisconduct/survivor-emergency-fund.html.

A table also will be set up in the Wyoming Union April 19 with cookies and interactive activities that promote one solution to sexual violence: the Green Dot program.

Some 27 percent of UW students report experiencing sexual assault. These experiences can lead to a number of unforeseen expenses, which is why the Survivor Emergency Fund was created. For example, sexual assault survivors may have unanticipated medical expenses, including medications and services not covered by insurance and not provided by the Student Health Service. Relationship violence survivors may need help with security deposits or application fees to move out of abusive living situations and into a new home. Students who have experienced stalking may need new phones or to change locks on their doors.

“We know far too many members of our community are being hurt by incidents of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking,” say Violence Prevention Coordinator Michelle DiPasquale and Assistant Dean of Students Libby Thorson. “The university remains resolute in the commitment to measurably reduce these incidents. Right now, you can help us communicate that violence is not tolerated at UW and that everyone is expected to do their part by joining the Green Dot movement to become part of the solution. If you’ve already gone through Green Dot, consider wearing your shirt, button or pin April 19 along with your jeans.”

Faculty and staff members can attend Green Dot overview training, request training sessions for their teams and encourage students to attend bystander training, where skills are learned on how to intervene using one of the three “D’s” -- Direct, Distract and Delegate. Learn more at www.uwyo.edu/greendot.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by violence, support and resources are available:

-- Albany County SAFE Project: confidential advocacy and support. The 24-hour hotline has an advocate available at (307) 745-3556.

-- University Counseling Center: can support currently enrolled UW students Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at (307) 766-2187. The after-hours crisis line is (307) 766-8989.

-- The Trevor Project: crisis support for LGBTQ persons under the age of 24. The national hotline is 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 to speak with a counselor.

-- Dean of Students Office: can provide students with academic, safety and supportive campus measures. The office also manages student conduct investigations and reporting.

-- Equal Opportunity Report and Response, Title IX coordinator: can provide staff with safety and supportive campus measures. The office also manages investigations and mandatory reporting.

-- RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. The hotline is 1-800-656-4673.

-- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

-- Wyoming Department of Family Services: To report possible child abuse and neglect, or find help with access to support programs, call 1-800-457-3659.

-- Employee Assistance Program: UW offers benefited employees and their household members professional counseling as well as legal and financial assistance.

Additionally, emergency support is available by dialing 911. You can make a nonemergency report by contacting your local law enforcement agency:

-- UW Police Department: (307) 766-5179. To send an anonymous tip via text message to UWPD, text the keyword UWYO and your message to 847411 (TIP411).

-- Laramie Police Department: (307) 721-2526.

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