Trisha Schafer, outreach coordinator for Freedom House, plans to wear denim on April 30, designated Denim Day.
“It is a way to support services for victims, create awareness to stop sexual violence and change misconceptions about sexual assault,” said Schafer, noting that the special day has been observed since 1999.
Denim Day is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors and challenging harmful misconceptions about sexual assault. By wearing denim, participants stand in solidarity with survivors and help spark important conversations about consent, respect and prevention.
Denim Day was inspired by a moment of protest in Italy. After a 1992 rape conviction was overturned by the Italian High Court, outrage spread across the country. The case involved an 18-year-old girl and her 45-year-old driving instructor, who had been convicted of taking her to an isolated area and raping her. He was sentenced to jail. Schafer explained that seven years later, his conviction was overturned because her jeans were “too tight,” thus implying that she must have helped remove them and therefore consented.
“In response,” said Schafer, “women in the Italian Parliament showed up the next day wearing jeans on the steps of the country’s Supreme Court in protest of this deeply flawed and victim-blaming logic,” adding, “this was the moment that gave rise to what is now known as the ‘jeans alibi’.”
News of this protest was picked up by international media, eventually spreading to Los Angeles. Inspired, Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, executive director of “Peace Over Violence”, thought everyone should be wearing jeans to protest this incident and all the myths about why women are raped.
Schafer said that the protest sparked a worldwide movement.
“Today, Denim Day stands as a symbol of resistance against sexual violence and a reminder that no article of clothing ever justifies or excuses assault,” she said.
Freedom House staff encourages everyone to honor the day. Individuals, schools, businesses and organizations are welcome to participate. They suggest the following:
–Wear denim on Denim Day to show your support and encourage friends, family, and co-workers to do the same.
– Share a selfie or message on social media using hashtags such as #DenimDay, StopSexualViolence, #WeListenBelieveSupport, #FreedomHouseIL and #StopDVSV.
– Start conversations about consent, boundaries and support for survivors with others.
– Donate to organizations like Freedom House to help fund vital services for survivors.
Schafer suggests wearing denim with a purpose.
“Together, we can create awareness, support survivors and work toward a world free of sexual violence,” said Schafer.
For more information on services available to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Henry, Bureau, Stark, Marshall and Putnam Counties, go to www.freedomhouseillinois.org. Freedom House also has a Facebook page where agency activities and information are shared.
