Thriving Hearts to host annual event in Central Park
(Seguin) –Today sounds like the perfect day to wear denim.
Thriving Hearts Crisis Center is inviting the community to take a visible stand against sexual violence. Thriving Hearts Crisis Center will be hosting its Denim Day event today, Wednesday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Seguin’s Central Park.
The organization will be using denim to spark conversation, awareness, and support for survivors — bringing together “community leaders, advocates and residents for a mix of education, remembrance and outreach.”
New Executive Director Jana Evans says the significance of Denim Day traces back to a case that continues to shape how people understand consent.
“Back in like 1992, there was a girl who was sexually assaulted. He (the suspect) actually won the appeal because they said that her tight pants made it be where she had to help take them off. So, they consider that as consent. It’s basically like your wardrobe choice is not your consent,” said Evans.
Evans says one of the biggest barriers survivors face is the difficulty of speaking out.
“Sexual assault is very underreported because it’s so hard for someone to come forward. You start to question yourself. Those kind of things are what we’re trying to stand with them, to say that no matter what, no is no and consent is necessary. It’s just letting them know that it’s okay to come forward,” said Evans.
She says another barrier in reporting is that the crime usually involves someone that the survivor knows.
“A lot of times you know your assaulter. So being able to have the community stand with them kind of helps. We want them to know that we’re there for them throughout the whole journey,” said Evans.
Evans says Thriving Hearts invites the public to come out and learn more. She says the goal is not only to raise awareness but also to create a space where survivors –which include men and children — feel seen, supported and empowered.
“We’re going to have resource tables set up. There’ll be community vendors. We’ll have speakers… the mayor, also both the chief of police and Joshua Ray… and then we’ll have a DJ… and a fun little craft… a denim pocket… decorate with little flowers and paint pins… and then a walk around the park… in honor and support of those that are either survivors or ones that… might need that support of being able to come forward,” said Evans.
Today’s Denim Day schedule includes guest speakers at 11:15 a.m.; the walk around Central Park at 11:45 a.m. followed by a group photo, denim activities and DJ music from 12:15 to 1 p.m.