CNATTU Hosts 2nd Annual Denim Day Walk

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class James Vazquez | 160427-N-KB426-107 CORONADO, Calif. (April 27, 2016) Cmdr. Michelle M. Debourge, commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Naval Air Station North Island, speaks to Sailors and Marines participating in a Denim Day walk. Denim Day is an annual event in the month of April that aims to raise sexual assault prevention and response awareness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Vazquez/Released)  

CORONADO, CA, UNITED STATES

04.27.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Vazquez 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Denim Day, now in its 17th year, came about as a result of a 1992 Italian Supreme Court case which ruled that the victim must have gave consent to her attacker seeing as she was wearing tight jeans and would have had to voluntarily removed them making the act consensual.
In an act of protest to the ruling, women serving in the Italian Parliament began wearing denim jeans to work.
“This year’s Denim Day theme is to eliminate sexual assault by raising awareness,” said Cmdr. Michelle M. Debourge, commanding officer of CNATTU North Island. “I hope these types of events teach our Sailors to know their part, and do their part.”
Participants of the event walked throughout Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) while holding a sign reading “eliminate sexual assault. Know your part, do your part.”
As the group made its way around NASNI, more and more service members and participants joined in the walk.
“I would like to thank all those who came out and participated in the Denim Day walk,” said Cmdr. Kenneth Sanchez, CNATTU North Island’s executive officer. “Your excitement and enthusiasm in support of our 2nd annual Denim Day walk has made it a great success.”
At the conclusion of the walk, participants gathered at NASNI’s flag circle for closing remarks and to reflect on the importance of sexual assault prevention and response in our military.
“Your presence today makes two very powerful statements,” said Sanchez. “First, we will do everything in our collective power to bring attention to the problem of sexual assault across all services and that we will always strive to foster a command environment that supports mutual respect for all individuals and a climate that demands integrity from us at all times.”
For more information on the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, www.sapr.navy.mil/.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2016
• Date Posted: 04.27.2016 17:23
• Story ID: 196691
• Location: CORONADO, CA, US