A sorority that annually donates six-figures to organizations helping people overcome from crisis and trauma helped raise awareness for sexual assault last month.

The TCU chapter of Apha Chi Omega had multiple events throughout April to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Each year on the last Wednesday in April, the sorority takes part in National Denim Day.

Denim Day is the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign.

According to the Denim Day informational website, the day began after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because they felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them and implied consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in support of the victim. 

“This year to celebrate this impactful day of awareness, all of our members wore denim and we had a tabling event with cookies, a balloon arch and sexual assault teal ribbons,” said Allyson Joyce, sophomore social work and communications double major and Alpha Chi Omega’s VP philanthropy chair. 

Joyce added one of her favorite things she has done as VP of philanthropy is starting the Alpha Chi Omega survivor support group for her sisters who have experienced trauma.

“One-third of college women will experience sexual assault, so awareness and prevention are critical,” said Joyce. “I always tell our members when working with survivors it is important to remember this model: believe, listen, affirm, empower, support.”

The chapter mainly works with the Women’s Center of Tarrant County. 

This year the chapter has raised over $108,000 for the Women’s Center and this semester its members had more than 600 hours of service.

Alpha Chi Omega is the top fundraising chapter at TCU, as well as the top fundraising Alpha Chi Omega chapter nationwide.