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Sexual Violence: Not in my Community

OFF LIMITS: BUILDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT-FREE ZONES 

Sexual harassment contributes to a continuum of violence against women felt throughout our culture. With the goal of preventing and eventually eliminating sexual harassment in our workplaces, schools and communities, each individual action brings us one step closer to a sexual harassment-free zone. By bringing Denim Day to your constituency, you can help accelerate change.

WHAT IS A SEXUAL HARASSMENT-FREE ZONE? 

An environment where sexual harassment behavior is not tolerated. People are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity. The creation of a sexual harassment-free zone requires the support, commitment and attentiveness on the part of everyone in the community from residents and leaders, to patrons and institutions.

The Off-Limits Philosophy

  • Violence is learned, it can be unlearned.

  • Sexual harassment is preventable; it is not inevitable.

  • Sexism, racism and other socially sanctioned forms of violence affect interpersonal relationships.

  • Sexual harassment must be taken seriously.

  • Men and boys must be educated about accountability but not by being seen as the “enemy.”

  • Empowerment lies in moving through victimization, not in being stuck in it.

  • Ending sexual harassment is a complex process. Communities must work together, with support from our institutions, to provide a positive future for us all.

  • Everyone is capable of taking responsibility for creating sexual harassment-free zones at work and in other environments.

Bring Denim Day to your constituents: Action Plan


NAME IT!

  • Proclaim Denim Day and declare your community a “sexual harassment-free zone.”

VirtuAL ENGAGEMENT

  • Promote Denim Day community-wide and encourage your constituents to wear denim on April 28th.

  • Include Denim Day messaging and announcements on your official communication plan and encourage people to wear jeans on Denim Day.

HOST A SEXUAL Violence Prevention Event

  • Host a virtual gathering after work, during lunch or a coffee break or even a meeting to talk about sexual violence. Creating virtual spaces for discussions to raise awareness and dispelling myths about sexual violence is central to understanding the barriers to ending it in our communities.

RUN A DOLLARS FOR DENIM FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

  • Dollars for Denim is a fundraising campaign that allows community leaders and elected officials to support rape prevention education and healing services for survivors by collecting donations for Peace Over Violence. To learn more visit denimdayinfo.org

  • Encourage your office to buy and distribute Denim Day materials like buttons and digital posters. Visit our online shop for details.

  • Contact your local rape crisis center for information on trainings, presentations, and volunteer opportunities.