On Wednesday, April 29, supporting survivors of sexual violence is as simple as putting on a pair of jeans. LACASA is once again joining advocates from around the world in observing Denim Day, challenging harmful beliefs surrounding sexual violence and creating a community that starts by believing victims. LACASA encourages all Livingston County residents, businesses, schools, and organizations to participate by wearing denim and spread awareness about consent, victim blaming, and supporting survivors.
Denim Day began in the 1990s when the Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a driving instructor who sexually assaulted an 18-year-old girl. Because the victim wore tight jeans at the time of the attack, the court wrongfully ruled she must have consented by helping to remove them. Advocates in the Italian Parliament were outraged and wore jeans to work in protest, sparking a global movement in support of survivors.
“Denim Day is a simple way of showing support for those who need it most and flipping the script on harmful stereotypes,” said LACASA Sexual Assault Response Team Manager Sherry Boroto. “When we wear denim, we let survivors know that their voices are heard and that the community supports them.”
LACASA encourages the community to participate in Denim Day by:
- Wearing denim on Wednesday, April 29th.
- Sharing your participation in Denim Day on social media using the hashtags #DenimDay, #LACASA, #LivCoDenimDay, and #SupportSurvivors
- Learning more about sexual assault prevention and how to support survivors. Resources are available atlacasacenter.org and denimday.org.
- Spreading awareness about consent and supporting survivors to your family, colleagues, and peers.
LACASA can provide local participants in Denim Day with stickers and information sheets. For more information, email socialchange@lacasacenter.org.
