Dear Friend:
As you may know, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This type of violence will affect one in five women and girls in her lifetime—more than half when they are between the ages of 12-24. Sexual Violence cuts across all ages, backgrounds and genders. Research indicates that LGBTQ individuals experience this violence at the same or greater rate than non-LGBTQ individuals. These crimes too often go unreported.
I'm proud to partner with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall and Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro on a
Denim Day NYC 2013 Op-ed Writing Contest for NYC undergraduate college students in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our offices, in partnership with the Denim Day NYC Planning Committee (New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Crime Victim's Treatment Center, Start Strong Bronx, YWCA of Brooklyn, Frank and Ruth E. Caruso Foundation, Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) and Steps to End Family Violence) will be co-sponsoring this contest with the goal of celebrating the voices of college students and engaging them to think critically about the issue of sexual assault. This year's theme is
Telling the Truth About Sexual Violence.
The Denim Day 2013 Op-ed Contestis open to New York City undergraduate college students. Students must be currently enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in a 2 or 4-year undergraduate college or university located in the 5 boroughs of New York City. Read the official rules here. Help spread the word by circulating this flyer. One winner from each borough will be selected and will receive a $500 prize. The deadline for submission is April 8, 2013 at 5:00 PM EST.
We will be recognizing the winners on the steps of City Hall on Denim Day- April 24 at noon. I encourage you to stand with us to help raise awareness about this important campaign.
Even if you can't join us, please wear jeans on April 24, 2013 to show your support. We must all band together and stand up against sexual assault—during SAAM and all year-round!
Sincerely,
Scott M. Stringer
Manhattan Borough President
Office of the Manhattan Borough President
Municipal Building: One Centre Street, 19 Floor, New York, NY 10007 • Tel: 212-669-8300 • Fax: 212-669-4306
Northern Manhattan Office: 163 West 125th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10027 • Tel: 212-531-1609 • Fax: 212-531-4615