New London proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Month; CAP Services urges Denim Day participation

The New London Common Council read a proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and called attention to local advocacy and support services.

Adelina Sanchez, who introduced herself as representing CAP Services Family Crisis Center, explained the center’s services for victims of sexual and domestic violence in Waupaca County, including referrals to Harbor House and a 24-hour confidential crisis line. Sanchez asked residents to support Denim Day on April 24, a national day of awareness that "we really strongly encourage folks to wear denim, in support of victims of sexual assault," she said. Sanchez also described Denim Day’s origin as a case in the late 1990s in which a conviction was overturned and said the national observance promotes the message that clothing is never an invitation to assault.

The proclamation the council read recited national statistics and called for community efforts to reduce victim-blaming and increase awareness of available advocacy services.

Next steps: CAP Services and local partners will continue outreach and public-awareness activities around Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.