Photo By Amy Christopherson | The 704th Military Intelligence Brigade observed Denim Day in support of sexual...... read more read more
FORT MEADE, Md. - The 704th Military Intelligence Brigade recognized National Denim Day, April 24, in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness month. Soldiers and civilians wore denim jeans as their duty uniform for the day in support of survivors of sexual assault. Who would have ever thought that females wearing jeans 13 years ago would be so significant, that we now recognize National Denim Day.
"Today we pause for a few minutes as a unit to raise awareness and to acknowledge this issue in our society, said Col. Anthony R. Hale, 704th Military Intelligence Brigade commander.
Denim Day came about as a result of a rape that occurred in Italy. An 18-year-old woman hired a driving instructor who drove her to an isolated area in the country, and then attacked her.
He wrestled with her until he got one of her legs out of her jeans, raped her, and then forced her to drive back to town. The case made it to Italy’s Supreme Court where the judge concluded that because the victim had on tight jeans, she must have helped the perpetrator take her pants off and therefore it was not rape, it was consensual sex. The case was thrown out of court.
“Sexual Assault awareness is pertinent to our mission” said Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Hill, 704th Military Intelligence Brigade victim advocate. “It is important for our soldiers to know that if an issue arises, the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade Sexual Assault Prevention Team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist.”
The recognition of victims of sexual assault didn't stop with just wearing denim jeans. The brigade held a formation at the post parade field to further stress the significance of preventing sexual assault.
Following Hale’s opening remarks the soldiers and civilians walked one lap around the parade field to symbolize walking a mile in the shoes of a victim of sexual assault.
The theme for this year’s Denim Day was "Let’s talk about it." Upon completing the one mile walk around the parade field that's exactly what the 704th did. In a horseshoe formation, Hale anonymously recognized 12 soldiers that were victims of sexual assault at Fort Meade this year. The soldiers were symbolized by a pair of combat boots being placed on the sole survivor table in the center of the formation.
The ceremony concluded with the brigade forming a human ribbon to symbolize we’re all in this together. The brigade raised nearly $400 to contribute to Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2013 21:29 |
| Story ID: | 105948 |
| Location: | FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD, US |
| Web Views: | 292 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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