Campus Wide Programs

Annually, CARE puts on educational programs focused on issues of sexual violence and relationship abuse.

Annual Campus-Wide Programs

Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a display of t-shirts made by survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. The various types of sexual violence are represented by different colored t-shirts - containing graphic messages and illustrations symbolizing the survivors' experiences. The project raises awareness about the prevalence and impact that sexual violence has on our society and allows survivors an opportunity to break the silence by telling their story.

Take Back the Night
As a culmination of the Clothesline Project, Take Back the Night is a candlelight vigil and march to raise awareness about sexual violence. Throughout the walk there are stations with visual displays and/or artistic performances addressing the various aspects of sexual violence, including societal factors which allow sexual assault to exist, its widespread occurrence, and the devastating impact. The evening concludes with a speak-out, where survivors can share their experiences of assault and recovery.

Denim Day California
The Denim Day campaign began in 1999 with CALCASA and LACAAW, the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women, as part of an international protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The Italian Supreme Court dismissed charges against a 45-year old rape suspect because his 18-year-old victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The Court stated in its decision that “It is common knowledge…that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them….and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might.” The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand coercion, threats and violence go along with the act of rape. The unpopular verdict became an international symbol of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.  
Denim Day is an outward example of how a community can help change people’s perceptions about violence against women, men and children.