Denim Day demands an end to gender-based violence

April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM), and an important part of SVAM is Denim Day, which takes place each year on the last Wednesday of April to raise awareness of sexual violence, stand up for survivors, and speak out against societal myths and attitudes that normalize and perpetuate sexual violence.

The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) and the Denim Day NYC (also known as the Denim Day NYC Planning Committee) hosted Denim Day NYC 2022 on April 27 with a brief opening ceremony for survivors and advocates at Brooklyn Borough Hall before they marched over the Brooklyn Bridge to rally against sexual violence in Manhattan’s Foley Square.

Each April since 2010, ENDGBV (End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence) and the Denim Day NYC, a coalition of survivors, advocates, community organizations, city council members, and city agencies have come together to plan educational and outreach events throughout the city, culminating in a march and rally on Denim Day. 

On April 27 in the Bronx, ENDGBV and the Denim Day NYC hosted a 4 p.m. march with Bronx-based survivors and advocates, community-based organizations, and students from local colleges starting at the corner of Grand Concourse and Mount Eden Parkway.

Additionally, the Staten Island District Attorney’s office also hosted a 1 p.m. rally in partnership with ENDGBV, the Denim Day NYC and Safe Horizon at the Staten Island Family Justice Center. For additional Denim Day events, please visit the Denim Day website.

“Sexual violence and assault can happen to anyone, which is why we stand united in the fight to support survivors of gender-based violence,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Today, on Denim Day, and every day, we recommit ourselves to fighting sexual violence and assault and to seeking justice against those who perpetrate such acts.”

“Today’s march and rally highlight the prevalence of sexual violence on a local and national level,” saidMayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Commissioner Cecile Noel. “We march not only to support survivors but to empower them. The city is here for survivors, and our commitment to them never wavers.”

“Safe Horizon is proud to stand in solidarity and in community with survivors and advocates this Denim Day,” said Jimmy Meagher, Policy Director, Safe Horizon and Secretary, Denim Day NYC. “We are a proud member of Denim Day NYC, which hasn’t been able to march or rally since before this pandemic, and we are excited to once again join together in person to demand an end to sexual violence once and for all. A future free of violence is possible, and we are committed to working alongside our community to create that future.”

If you, or someone you know, is seeking support regarding sexual violence, free and confidential help is always available. Find resources and support in NYC by searching the NYCHope Resource Directory, or call 311 to be connected to the nearest NYC Family Justice Center.