Missouri DHSS to participate in rape awareness campaign
Margaret Donnelly
JEFFERSON CITY — The Department of Health and Senior Services is encouraging Missourians to participate in Denim Day, an international effort to reduce rape and other sex crimes.
Department Director Margaret Donnelly asked Missourians in a news release to wear jeans on April 23.
From the release:
Tuck VanDyne, chief of Missouri’s Office on Women’s Health, said rape is an insidious crime. Almost two-thirds of all rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.
“Rape is not an act of sex. It’s an act of violence, and it affects both men and women,” VanDyne said. “One in six American women and one in 33 men are victims of sexual assault each year.”
Schools and organizations interested in joining the observance of Denim Day can visit www.supportdenimday.com to register their organization and to obtain more information. They also can learn more by going to Facebook or MySpace and becoming a fan of the event. Search for Missouri Denim Day.
