Denim Day
Denim Day is sponsored by the Bay Area Women's Center to enlist public support to dispel harmful attitudes about rape. Denim Day is recognized annually on the last Wednesday of April. The Denim Day campaign began in 2003, as part of an international protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The Italian Supreme Court dismissed charges against a 45-year old rape suspect because his 18-year-old victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack.
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The Court stated in its decision that “It is common knowledge…that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them….and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might.” The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand that coercion, threats and violence go along with the act of rape. The unpopular verdict became an international symbol of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.
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Many workplaces have also taken the opportunity to participate in the Denim Day movement as well as raise funds for the Sexual Assault Program at the Bay Area Women's Center by requesting that each employee who wears Denim donate $1, $3 or $5. All local businesses are welcome to participate. Additional resources such as fliers or stickers are available at the request of participating businesses.
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For more information about Denim Day, contact our Community Outreach and Volunteer Manager at 989-686-2251.
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