There's nothing you can do to guarantee that you will not be a victim of sexual violence, and it is NEVER your fault. For more information on sexual assault, please visit http://peaceoverviolence.org/.

Social Justice Meets Fashion Sense
By: Smita Satiani, Policy Intern
 On Wednesday, April 22, 2009, the City of Los Angeles and communities around the nation will be commemorating Denim Day. Denim Day was established in recognition of a 1999 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a 45 year old man’s rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans.
The opinion stated: “…that it is nearly impossible to remove jeans on another person without the wearers’ active cooperation, after all [taking off jeans] is a difficult enough operation for the one wearing them...” This flawed reasoning followed that because jeans were so difficult to remove by another person, the alleged victim must have helped him and therefore granted consent.  

Yes—this was in 1999.  

The decision rightfully sparked outrage and disgust in Italy. Worldwide pressure eventually convinced the Italian Court to eventually reverse their decision.  

In April, 1999 the first Denim Day took place in Los Angeles, as a symbol to recognize violence against women everywhere.  Encouraging men and women to wear jeans and spread awareness of the misconceptions of sexual assault, this day has now established itself as a worldwide campaign.

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day, Executive Director Kellie Hawkins served as the keynote speaker for Cal-Sate LA’s “Take Back the Night” on April 16^th, encouraging young women and men at Cal-State LA to be active participants on ending assault in their community.

On Wednesday, April 22^nd, employees throughout the City of Los Angeles will be wearing denim in support of ending violence against women. City Council will be hearing a presentation from Cal State Los Angeles on their efforts to prevent and properly respond to assault on their campus. They will also recognize the efforts of Peace Over Violence.

Denim Day reminds us of a major setback but also of the positive outcomes that can result from collective resistance. It is about renewing our commitment to end violence against women in all its forms.

The New Age of Women's Rights Advocacy
By: Rayshell Chambers, Legislative Coordinator
The Commission recently sat down with 26-year old Lindsey Horvath, President of Hollywood National Organization for Women (NOW), to discuss the new wave of feminism and how NOW is spearheading the movement in Hollywood.
Q: Within the political and advocacy arena, some might assume that age and experience plays a major role in one's ability to make a real change. Briefly describe your background and the opportunities that afforded you the ability to achieve your current success in the women's rights movement at the age of only 26?
A: Age has a lot to do with how you are able to participate. That is unfortunate for young people because their opinion is often discounted. But in the presidential election, we saw the power of the youth vote. This power illustrates hope. Although, fighting for women rights and social inequalities has always been a part of my life; my true activism started in college.  I majored in Political Science and Gender Studies at University of Notre Dame in Indiana. My activism really took shape as a result of seeing how women had to deal with issues such as body image and live up to unrealistic stereotypes. As result of these experiences, I became very involved and volunteered as much as possible.  Many of the organizations and projects that I worked with included: the Vagina Monologue, YWCA and a sexual assault crisis center. These experiences exposed me to the dangers that women face in our society. Through this exposure, it became apparent to me that there was an increased need to do something.

Q: As 21^st century women's rights advocates, it is important to continue to make women's issues relevant to the changing times. In your opinion, what do you see as some of the most pressing issues impacting women and young girls today?

A: In terms of the most pressing issues impacting women, there are three main categories. The first issue is violence against women. Until women are able to walk safely anywhere on this planet, my job is not done. Women's health is another pressing issue. This includes cancer, heart disease, lack of understanding of women's body and unhealthy body images. For women, accessibility to affordable reproductive health services such as condoms and Plan B are among highest priorities. Economic equality is also another pressing issue impacting the financial independence of women. From pay equity to global micro finances efforts in other countries, we have along way to go. Other issues including marriage equality, rape kit backlogs and women's empowerment in business are on the forefront of the women's rights agenda. 

Q: What are the challenges in resolving those issues? What role does the Hollywood chapter play in bridging those gaps of inequalities?

A: Accountability specific to the rape kit backlog issue is one barrier in achieving full justice for women. Many of the excuses that we (women's rights advocates) have heard are that there is no money to address the issue. It is not that they don't have money; it is a clear mismanagement of money and how they are holding themselves accountable. Hollywood NOW is advocating for plans to ensure accountability on all fronts. Availability of resources is another challenge, which hinders our ability to effectively invest in the community. Other barriers and challenges include misperception of women and the generational disconnect.  Within the women's rights movement, there is a major struggle among leadership in regards to the transfer of power to younger women. The new generation needs to carry that responsibility. The transfer of knowledge is crucial, so that we are not reinventing the wheel.

Q: Across the nation, NOW is known for being one of the strongest driving forces in regards to taking action to bring women into full participation in society? What roles can the newly formed Hollywood NOW chapter play in ensuring the general welfare of women in the City of Los Angeles?

A: As a new chapter, one of the advantages that we have is the NOW name. However, the Hollywood chapter brings a new face and approach to the organization. We have our hands on the local issues, while also bringing a great wealth of information and knowledge to the table.  Our chapter also has the advantage of being able to present new issues in which women and young girls are currently facing. For example, we are currently working with the Hollywood High School's Young Feminism club. Through this newly formed partnership, students are able to talk about issues impacting young women in their community. These issues include self-mutilation, dating violence and self-esteem. It is our goal to be able to give high schools students a "voice" when discussing the issues.  New generation activism gives us the opportunity to deal with the problem now.  As a new chapter, we are not invested in the internal politics of NOW; we are providing women the opportunity and space to do something. We are making direct actions with immediate results. 

Breaking the Silence
Movie Review by: Heather Bleemer, Policy Intern
 This documentary explores the various struggles that women experience and provides an intimate look into the lives of five amazingly resilient women. Overcoming the effects of mental health, homelessness, sexual abuse, assault, and rape are the focus of this enlightening film.

ATTENTION TEENS: GET YOURSELF TESTED
By: Susana Guzman, High School Student Intern

Are young people making responsible decisions about their sexual health? According to recent reports about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) most would say, "No."  This year, Planned Parenthood, the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV have partnered up to address this issue. They are launching a new campaign called Get Yourself Tested (GYT), which was started in response to the fact that by the age 25, one in two sexually active people will contract an STD. What is most concerning is the fact most do not know that they are infected.

The GYT campaign seeks to create a social movement around getting tested. I feel the young people of the City of Los Angeles should really put some effort into becoming a part of this movement. We need to spread the word about sexual health and make our communities aware of the importance of safe sex.

Getting tested and treated early for STDs will help improve the health of our community. There are many different types of STDs and too often the symptoms of some go unnoticed and untreated. The most common STDs are Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea and Syphilis. Some STDs can be cured and others have treatments available to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms. HIV and AIDS is another popular STD that can be treated, but not cured, with early detection.

Getting tested early can give you more treatment options, and testing has never been easier. It can be as easy as a swab just inside the cheek or a simple, painless pelvic exam. And to make testing even less painless MTV has offered a trip to the 2009 MTV Movie Awards red carpet if you Get Yourself Tested.

19 million cases of STDs are reported in the U.S every year. There shouldn't be so many people with STDs when help is available. Think about it, life is precious and a simple visit to the clinic regularly can help make a healthier one. Make the right choice and get tested. You do not want to be the next new STD case counted in the US. I sure don't!