Natalie Hernandez

Adolfo Carrion

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Apr 17, 2024, 8:35 PM

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Updated

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Wednesday marks Bronx Denim Day, and dozens of advocates and community members came together at Bronx Borough Hall.

Survivors spoke out at the event to share their stories and shine a light on sexual assault, reminding people that no means no.

This marks the 25th anniversary of the worldwide campaign. It started back in 1999 after an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape because the victim was wearing jeans – the court ruled that jeans were too tight so the victim had to help her attacker take them off.

According to NYPD crime statistics, the Bronx accounts for roughly 25% of all reported rape cases so far in 2024 in New York City. Elected officials say they are working to raise awareness for Bronx residents to know about the resources available to them.

“It’s about encouraging those to step forward,” said one survivor who spoke with News 12. “We realize that domestic and gender-based violence comes in multiple forms and it’s happening at some of the highest rates across our borough.”