Denim Day is a day for awareness and action against sexual violence, a day when advocates, community leaders, and lawmakers come together to challenge misconceptions and ensure survivor-centered policies. • History of Denim Day: Denim Day originated in 1999 as a response to a court ruling that blamed a survivor of sexual assault for wearing a skirt that was too short. The ruling emphasized the need to challenge misconceptions about sexual violence and ensure that survivors are not blamed for the violence they have experienced. • NCEDSV’s Role in Denim Day: The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV) invites advocates, community partners, and allies to join in this call for response to sexual violence on April 30, 2025. NCEDSV will be hosting an event at the Nevada State Legislature, Carson City, from 11:30am – 1pm.

This year, NCEDSV is encouraging legislative offices to participate by wearing denim, issuing proclamations, and engaging in discussions about sexual violence prevention, survivor support services, and justice reform. • Key Messages: The NCEDSV Executive Director, Elizabeth Abdur-Raheem, stated, “The decisions made in our legislative chambers directly impact survivors and the resources available to them. We urge policymakers to stand with survivors, commit to policy solutions, and show that they believe in justice and accountability.”

• Event Details: On Denim Day, victim-survivors, advocates, legislators working for change, and NCEDSV staff will come together at the Legislature Building to amplify the experience of sexual assault in Nevada and what is being done to make our state safer. • NCEDSV’s Mission: The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide advocacy organization committed to ending domestic and sexual violence in Nevada through education, public policy, and advocacy. NCEDSV provides support to survivors, raises awareness, and works to create systemic change to end violence. • Get Involved: NCEDSV invites everyone to join in the call for response to sexual violence on Denim Day. Attend the event at the Nevada State Legislature, Carson City, and wear denim to show your support.

“Every survivor deserves justice, and every survivor deserves respect. We urge policymakers to stand with survivors and create a safer, more just society for all,” said Elizabeth Abdur-Raheem, Executive Director of NCEDSV.

The event will include speakers and resource tables, providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and for advocates to learn about and get involved in efforts to end sexual violence. • Survivor-Centered Approach: NCEDSV emphasizes the importance of a survivor-centered approach to addressing sexual violence. This approach prioritizes the needs and experiences of survivors, ensuring that policies and services are responsive to their needs. • Justice Reform: NCEDSV advocates for justice reform to ensure that survivors receive the justice and accountability they deserve. This includes supporting policies that increase funding for victim services and support for survivors. • Prevention and Support Services: NCEDSV also works to prevent sexual violence through education and awareness campaigns, as well as providing support services to survivors. • Examples of Successful Policy Changes:

1. Increasing funding for victim services and support for survivors
2. Implementing policies that increase awareness and education about sexual violence
3. Supporting policies that increase funding for programs that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence

By standing together on Denim Day, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. We urge policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to join us in this call for response to sexual violence.

NCEDSV invites everyone to join in the call for response to sexual violence on Denim Day. Attend the event at the Nevada State Legislature, Carson City, and wear denim to show your support.

Together, we can create a safer, more just society for survivors of sexual violence.