PARK CITY, Utah, April 23, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Wednesday is Denim Day, a day to wear jeans in support of sexual violence victims who sometimes face judicial mistreatment.
“Join us by wearing denim tomorrow to spread awareness of the misconceptions that surround sexual violence,” the Park City Police Department and the Peace House, Park City’s domestic violence shelter and support center, said online Tuesday afternoon.
The Denim Day story begins in Italy in 1992 when an 18-year-old girl was raped by the 45-year-old driving instructor who was taking her to her very first driving lesson, according to the press release. The man was convicted of rape and sentenced to prison.
Years later, he appealed the conviction, claiming the sex was consensual. “The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction, and the perpetrator was released. A statement from the court argued that because the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex.
“This became known throughout Italy as the ‘jeans alibi.’ Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. From there, Denim Day was born.”
A day earlier Southern Utah University also issued a call to Denim Day on its web site.
“On April 24, 2024, we invite you to join us by wearing denim jeans and showing your support for survivors of sexual violence,” the Cedar City college said.
“By wearing denim, we symbolize our commitment to believing and supporting survivors, as well as advocating for a society where consent is respected and sexual violence is eradicated. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and contribute to a culture of empathy, understanding and change.
“In addition to wearing denim, we encourage you to engage in conversations about consent, respect and the importance of supporting survivors. Let’s use this opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the realities of sexual assault and the resources available for survivors.”
When the Italian Supreme Court “deemed that the victim’s tight jeans implied consent” it not only provoked women in the Italian Parliament to don jeans in protest, SUU said, but the act of protest spread internationally, leading to the establishment of Denim Day as a global movement.
“Today, Denim Day participants wear denim jeans to work, school or other public spaces to symbolize their support for survivors of sexual assault and to challenge the harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
“In addition to wearing denim, many organizations and communities host events, workshops and fundraisers to educate the public about sexual assault prevention, consent and support resources available to survivors.”
