Denim Day: Raise Awareness About Sexual Assault Misconceptions, Today

Denim Day was created in 1999 by Peace Over Violence in Los Angeles to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors and educate the public about erroneous ideas associated with sexual violence. Denim Day takes place annually on the last Wednesday in April. Since 2016, Denim Day has been celebrated in over 100 countries, including Italy where the story begins. 

In 1992 an 18-year-old Italian girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first driving lesson. He took her to an isolated location, pulled her out of the car, removed her jeans and raped her. The driving instructor was arrested, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to prison. In 1999, the driving instructor appealed the sentence claiming the sex was consensual. The Italian High Court overturned his conviction stating the girl had been wearing tight jeans, and therefore must have assisted in removing them, making the sex was consensual.

The court’s decision sparked outrage and women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work. As news of the court’s decision spread, so did the protests in Italy and around the globe. More and more people came to work wearing denim. 

As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness month, NOVA faculty, staff and students are invited to wear denim today, in support of ridding the world of attitudes and myths about sexual violence that harm our communities. 

Submitted by:
Laura Buchs, Title IX Coordinator, LBuchs@nvcc.edu