What is Denim Day?
In 1992, an 18-year old girl was raped by her driving instructor in Italy. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to jail - until the Italian Supreme Court got his appeal, and overturned his sentence: "Because the victim wore very, very tight jeans," the Court notes in their decision, "she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex." The women in Italy's Parliament wore jeans to work as a protest.
Since 1999, Peace Over Violence has organized Denim Day in LA & USA each April during sexual assault awareness month, to make a statement of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.
Why This Matters in 2013
Though I want to believe we have come a long way in our understanding and treatment of victims since 1992, sadly, the news belies this. We only have to look to the Steubenville case, and the deaths of Audrie Pott and Rehtaeh Parsons to see that we still have a long way to go.
There is no excuse and never an invitation to rape.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault and need help, or you want to help a loved one, you can contact RAINN or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
If you suspect that a child is being abused, or if you are a child or teen who is being abused, you can contact Child Help or call the National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
We have a long way to go, don't we? Good for you for standing up for this very important cause Tracie. We are with you.-The Dose Girls
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know the origins of Denim Day - thank you for enlightening me once again, my friend! The theme of "Wear Jeans to Work Day" has been co-opted by more than one charitable organization in the quest for donations. Sadly, it has diluted the impact and understanding of this one. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI had not even heard of Denim Day - but I'm glad it is there. When someone say no - it's no. And that was a horrible verdict. I also think about Amanda Knox from Italy. sandie
ReplyDeleteI always heard of Denim Day, but never knew why... interesting!!! But I'm like CathiC - others have taken that idea... this one should be the only cause for Denim Day - by far!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of denim day but what a tribute. I am here from ICLW, but this is another powerful cause that must be discussed.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am wearing my jeans, even though today is normally a jammie day. I knew the origins of Denim Day, I learned about it while at the women's crisis shelter during my own path of healing. It's a big deal to me, and a small thing I can do each April to help raise awareness. Even if it's from my living room couch.
ReplyDeleteI am wearing mine, too!! ((hugs)) and loads of love. Thank you for standing up for this, and being a voice.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I didn't know this year, but I will remember next year. It's a big deal to me too. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how quickly the system seeks to blame the victim any way possible.. sickening is what it is
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to believe people still think there is an excuse to commit such a heinous act. I didn't realize it was Denim Day, but today I happened to be wearing jeans.
ReplyDelete#thisiswhyiloveyou #thatisall
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