The Refuge Sexual Assault Center

04/29/2026

The Refuge staff is standing up and speaking out on !

👖 Today is Denim Day 👖

Denim Day is an annual global campaign held on the last Wednesday of April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It started in response to a 1992 Italian court case where a r**e conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing “tight jeans,” implying she must have consented by helping remove them. Have you heard of anything so crazy?!

Outraged, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity, sparking a powerful protest against victim-blaming and harmful myths about sexual violence.

Now observed worldwide, Denim Day encourages everyone to wear denim as a visible symbol of support for survivors and a stand against the idea that clothing or behavior ever justifies assault.

‼️There’s no excuse and never an invitation to r**e.‼️

Wear jeans with purpose today. Support survivors. Challenge the myths.

The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter

04/28/2026

How to Join the Movement
Wednesday, April 29 — Survivors First (Denim Day)

How Denim Day Began
Denim Day traces back to a landmark protest against victim-blaming. After an Italian court overturned a sexual assault conviction based on the survivor’s clothing, advocates around the world responded by wearing denim as a symbol of protest and solidarity.
What began as a single act of resistance has become an international campaign that challenges myths about sexual violence and supports survivors everywhere.

There are so many ways to be part of Denim Day:
• Wear denim and snap a photo
• Share your voice using
• Start conversations about respect and consent
• Support survivors in your community
• Invite friends, coworkers, schools, and teams to join in

We’re starting the week off with something that shapes everything: consent. Consent is a freely given, informed, and reversible agreement. Silence is not consent. Pressure is not consent. Everyone has the right to decide what happens with their body.

04/23/2026

🩵Denim Day is a global movement that stands against victim-blaming and supports survivors of sexual violence. It began after a controversial court ruling in Italy suggested a victim’s clothing implied consent—sparking outrage and action worldwide. Wearing denim became a symbol of protest, solidarity, and a commitment to challenge harmful myths about sexual assault.

Join us by wearing denim on April 29th to show your support, raise awareness, and stand with survivors. There is never an excuse for sexual violence. Consent is the ONLY thing that matters.

Be sure to tag us in your pics! We can’t wait to see how you and your friends are showing your support for !

04/22/2026

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. By the time you finish reading this post, that statistic has happened again.

Sexual violence isn't rare. It isn't inevitable. And it isn't something awareness alone can stop. It takes action, accountability, and professionals who are trained to recognize and respond.

That's what CCAW is for. Join us.

04/22/2026

Hard working, dedicated, caring….meet our daytime dual advocate, Traci!!

Hi, my name is Traci Copeland. I earned my Associate of Science degree in General Studies in 2023 and I am one year away from having my BS in Psychology. It has been my pleasure for the past 7 years to work at The Refuge as a Dual Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Advocate. I’ve built strong relationships, grown in my role, and stayed committed to making a real impact in the lives of those we serve.

Outside of work, I’m a full-time mom to a baby boy my biggest motivation and the reason I push myself to be better every day. That same strength, consistency, and dedication shows up in the work I do.

I show up with purpose, lead with compassion, and take pride in being someone others can rely on. I’m excited to keep growing and making a difference here at The Refuge. 💙

04/20/2026

We would love to see you💙

We would love to see you💜

04/20/2026

🗣️ Consent is key! Let's talk about the importance of understanding and respecting boundaries. Consent means giving permission for something to happen, and it should always be clear, informed, and voluntary. Remember, it's not just a one-time agreement; consent can be revoked at any time.

Let's educate ourselves and others about what consent truly means! 🤝💖

🌟

04/19/2026

Educating at every opportunity! With the invitation to speak at a gathering of Solicitors-General from across the state on the topic of strangulation assaults, we had to say yes!

We hope these professionals learned a little bit about the lethality of these assaults and how to better handle cases presented to them.

Always advocating for the victim and raising awareness to those who care for them, at every level.

04/13/2026

✈️ Fun fact about Raven….she just got back from a week-long conference, learning how to better care for, and be a voice for our amazing survivors! The Refuge works hard to make sure our team is the best, and we take continuing education and constant learning very seriously!

Hi! My name is Raven Way. I live in Swainsboro but grew up in Alabama and Texas and fun fact I was born in Germany! I have been working for The Refuge for a year and a half. In my free time I love to play video games and build legos. I became an advocate because I truly have a passion for helping others. I strive to be someone people can turn to—an outlet, a safe space, and a reminder that they are not alone, even in their hardest moments.

12/19/2025

When I tell you this table was FULL! Wheeler County Sheriff's Office

12/19/2025

We are absolutely BLOWN AWAY! 💙 When I tell you that the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office and the community of Wheeler County showed up in the biggest way, you truly would have to see it to believe it.

We are incredibly grateful to Sheriff Giles for organizing this donation drive for The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter and The Refuge Sexual Assault Center.

Being in a shelter during Christmas is incredibly hard for our clients and their children, but moments like this make it a little easier. The love, generosity, and compassion shown by the citizens of Wheeler County mean more than words can express.

Thank you for reminding our families that they are seen, valued, and not alone. ❤️🎄@ Glenn Giles