Why Denim?

In Italy, 1992, an 18-year old girl was raped by a 45-year old driving instructor during her first lesson. He took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, removed her jeans and forcefully raped her.

She reported the rape and the perpetrator was arrested, prosecuted and convicted. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming that they had consensual sex. His conviction was overturned and the perpetrator was released.

A statement from the court argued that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped him remove them, and by doing so it was not rape but consensual sex. This became known throughout Italy as the “jeans alibi.”

Advocate Advantage

One of the many roles an advocate has is believing the voices of survivors and working towards social change through advocacy, empowerment and education through community service and volunteering.

-Anna Meredith

Advocate and Education and Support Services Supervisor

Event for Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month:

April 7 - Wear Blue Day

Wear Blue Day was created to raise awareness that child abuse happens in every community, even ours. As a community, we have the power to help families avoid situations which may lead to child abuse.

It can be difficult to identify ways to help stop child abuse. but here are a few ideas to try this month:

A - Approach struggling parents and offer assistance.

P - Promote free/low-cost services for youth and parents.

R - Report suspected child abuse or neglect by calling CPS.

I - Invest in community resources, like after-school programs.

L - Lend a hand, ear, or shoulder to a parent or child in distress.

River City Family Connections works to help families that may need additional services to safely interact with their children. Yankton is lucky to have such great resources!

Common Sense Parenting Classes

“The truth is, parenting as well as we can is always hard – really, truly, the hardest thing any of us has ever done.”— Laura Markham

If you'd like help with leaning new parenting techniques using a common sense approach, please call River City Family Connections. Session 3 begins soon! Hang in there, the rewards outweigh the challenges!

Thank You to Our Generous Donors and Partners

RCDVC's 16th annual march against violence will be held Saturday, July 22. We invite you to rally together with RCDVC and our sister agency, RCFC, to be a force for change!

Visit our website to find out the benefits of being a sponsor for this event.

Thank you to volunteer, Brynann Olson, a social work student at UND for designing our logo!