In 1992, an 18-year-old teen was assaulted by her 45-year-old driving instructor. Years later, in 1999 the Italian Supreme Court overturned the rape conviction, stating that because her denim jeans were so tight she must have not only consented, but helped in removing her clothing.
That day after the ruling, women across the nation wore denim jeans in order to show solidarity to not only the victim of the case, but to victims across the world that felt discredited.
The day has been commemorated and has been “the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign” according to the United States Department of the Interior. It is moreover described to “[ask] people to wear jeans as a visible way to highlight misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.”
Taking place during the final week of April, Sexual Assault Aweraness Month, the day of solideraty will be on Wednesday, April 30.
On this day, people are encouraged to wear denim, support fundraisers, and take a Sexual Respect Pledge located on the Denim Day Organization web page.
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