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Support Denim Day and support sexual assault victim with Someplace Safe

Someplace Safe, along with thousands of individuals and organizations nationwide, will observe Denim Day, which is the last Wednesday of April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This day serves as a support for victims and survivors of sexual violence.

Origins of Denim Day

Denim Day was initiated in 1999 by Peace Over Violence. It provides an opportunity to stand in solidarity with survivors and combat harmful behaviors and attitudes surrounding sexual violence. This campaign takes place on the last Wednesday in April to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It began as a response to a rape conviction being overturned by the Italian Supreme Court due to victim-blaming based on her tight jeans. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans. Peace Over Violence developed Denim Day as a local effort to bring awareness to victim blaming and destructive myths, which has now evolved into a global movement.

Participate in Denim Day

You can play a role in Denim Day regardless of your location. The annual Denim Day campaign takes place annually on the last Wednesday in April.

Here are some ways to participate:

Wear Denim

On Denim Day, wear your favorite pair of jeans as a visible symbol of support for survivors of sexual violence. Encourage your friends, coworkers, and stay-at-home participation. Let’s make a collective statement!

Spread the Word

Take to social media on Denim Day and post pictures of your denim attire using the hashtag #denimday. Share your support with friends and followers. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spsdenimday.

Raise Awareness

Display stickers and flyers to help raise awareness on Denim Day. Share them with friends, family, colleagues, and classmates as conversation starters. You can display flyers in your front window, bulletin boards, or break rooms.

Be sure to request free Denim Day Campaign materials from your local Someplace Safe office or send a request to newsletter@someplacesafe.info.

Participate in the Dollars for Denim Campaign

Support Someplace Safe and local survivors of sexual violence by making a contribution or coordinating a Dollars for Denim collection within your workplace, campus, or group.

Pledges can be mailed or dropped off at your local Someplace Safe office or sent to:
Someplace Safe
P.O. Box 815
Fergus Falls, MN
56538-0815.

No matter how you choose to participate in Denim Day, we appreciate your efforts in combating sexual violence in our community.

To request Denim Day stickers or flyers, please email us at newsletter@someplacesafe.info or contact your local Someplace Safe office.

Denim Day Graphics

Feel free to use the Denim Day graphics below on your social media profiles!

The Story Behind Denim Day

The Denim Day story originated in Italy in 1992 when an 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first lesson. The perpetrator took her to an isolated road, forcibly removed her jeans, and raped her. He was later arrested, convicted, and sentenced to jail. However, he appealed the conviction, claiming consensual sex. Shockingly, the Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction, using the argument that the victim had helped him remove her jeans, implying consent. This became known as the infamous “jeans alibi.”

Enraged by this verdict, women in the Italian Parliament staged a protest, wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. The international media picked up the story, inspiring the California Senate and Assembly to follow suit on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, saw this and thought wearing jeans should be a universal protest against the myths surrounding rape. Thus, Denim Day in LA was born and has been held annually since its inception in April 1999.