April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and today, to close out this month, I felt I would bring you an incredibly important story to me. You all have empowered me to finally speak my truth and share my survivor story. This is why I advocate.

A special thank you to all who participated in sharing "Why I Advocate" for this episode. 

And an extra special thank you to Rosebud Ireland for lending us her beautiful song Sister Survivors for this episode.

RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673

bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy

In May of 1996, California Polytechnic freshman Kristin Smart attended a birthday party for a friend on campus. She was walked back to her dorm by Paul Flores, never to be seen or heard from again. Flores had been suspected in her murder since the beginning, but hardly any evidence could prove Kristin was even dead. New developments have led to Flores' arrest and new information about his past. Find out more in this episode.

RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673

bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy

References:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/09/07/kristin-smart-vanished-in-1996-authorities-say-she-may-be-buried-on-her-college-campus/

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/crime/article100287482.html

https://www.recordnet.com/article/20070524/A_NEWS/705240316

https://calcoastnews.com/2020/02/paul-flores-detained-in-disappearance-of-kristin-smart/

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/14/us/kristin-smart-case-district-attorney/index.html

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/paul-flores-suspect-in-kristin-smart-case-was-subject-of-redondo-beach-rape-investigation-14-years-ago/

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article250978094.html

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-27/kristin-smart-paul-flores-la-sexual-assault-claims

Today, April 28, 2021 marks another Denim Day. Hear all about the case that sparked this movement (and the absurd 'Jeans Alibi') and why it is so important to wear your denim today!

https://www.rcne.com/contact/countries/italy/ | +39 055 602311 (violence against women); + 39 055 601375 (violence against children) | http://www.artemisiacentroantiviolenza.it/

RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673

bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy

References:

https://www.denimdayinfo.org/history

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/italians-protest-rape-ruling/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/277881.stm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denim_Day