(Seguin) — A solid mix of messages were shared from the Central Park Gazebo this past Wednesday as community members, advocates, and law enforcement leaders gathered for the 2026 Denim Day event.
“Stand up for survivors” and “recognize that real change does not happen in isolation,” were among the messages heard at the event hosted by Thriving Hearts Crisis Center.
The annual awareness event, held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month helped raise awareness about sexual violence and the support that is available to those in Seguin and Guadalupe County. Participants took part in a symbolic walk around the park, visited resource booths, and heard from community leaders and advocates working on the front lines.
Among those voices was Jana Evans, executive director of the Thriving Hearts Crisis Center. Evans emphasized that the issue of sexual violence is closer to home than many realize.
“It’s real and that it’s here no matter what community you are in, none of us are immune to it. We could say that like, oh, well, I don’t know anybody or it’s not happening, but it’s happening, it’s here. And that’s the reason why before Thriving Hearts Crisis Center, we were Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter. And it was established back in 1983 because of the need. And so just knowing that Maybe it’s your sister, your aunt, your cousin, your neighbor, someone at church. There’s somebody that is affected by it and you’re right around you in your community. And that could be someone at work. It could be your, you know, your employee, your, you know, anyone. So just knowing that sharing and standing up for them is so important for us to make it not such a stigma. Almost every minute someone is sexually assaulted. And so that’s men and women,” said Evans.
Evans “underscored the importance of speaking out” and breaking the stigma.
“I think the biggest thing is that call to action to the community to be able to spread awareness that we’re here to support them. And that’s every step of the way. Like maybe, they’re not necessarily ready to come completely forward, but we’re here to help them to, you know, give them information and guide them and educate them in order to help them for their next step whenever they are ready,” said Evans.
Evans says it takes a community-wide effort to create an environment – like Thriving Hearts — where survivors feel safe, supported, and free from guilt.
“We’re more than just a shelter. We’re able to provide those resources and safety plans and all those kind of things. A lot of times, it’s been this woman’s shelter for so long, just knowing that it takes the whole community to be able to make them feel supported and comfortable to come forward and know that they’re not at fault. They shouldn’t have guilt and that we’re here to support them in their journey to be able to heal,” said Evans.
Denim Day has become a powerful message in international history. The movement began in Italy in 1992 after a rape conviction was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court, which ruled the act was consensual because the victim had been wearing tight jeans. The decision sparked outrage, leading women in the Italian Parliament to protest by wearing denim. That protest inspired similar demonstrations worldwide, including in California, where the first official Denim Day was held in 1999.
Each year, the event also draws support from a village of law enforcement and city leadership. Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray, Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady, and Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen were among the speakers who addressed the crowd. Representatives from Cibolo Police Department were also present, highlighting a unified law enforcement presence on the issue.
Thriving Hearts also services families living in Wilson, Gonzales and Karnes County.
Individuals or families seeking a safe place are asked to visit safeseguin.org. They may also call 1-800-834-2033. Calls made to the center can also be anonymous.