On Denim Day, we wear denim in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. This movement traces back to Italy in the 1990s when a court ruling shocked the world. In response to victim-blaming tactics used during a sexual assault trial, women protested by wearing jeans, sparking a global movement.
At One SAFE Place and the Children’s Legacy Center, we stand on the shoulders of those brave protesters, advocating for survivors' rights and challenging harmful narratives. By wearing denim, we honor their legacy and pledge to continue our fight against sexual violence.
Honoring Survivors Is Our Responsibility
Every survivor of sexual assault carries a story, a narrative that is deeply personal and often shrouded in pain. While these stories may not be ours to tell, they exist among us, woven into the fabric of our communities and touching the lives of those we know and love. No one is immune to violence, and each of us knows someone who has been a victim, whether openly acknowledged or silently carried.
As advocates for change, we implore you to listen, to believe, and to support victims of sexual violence. Too often, survivors face disbelief, judgment, and stigma when they courageously come forward. But their voices deserve to be heard, their experiences validated, and their healing journey supported.
Each of us plays a crucial role in creating a culture of respect and empathy. We must stand together in solidarity, calling out behaviors that perpetuate harm and advocating for a world where consent is understood, respected, and valued.
Please join us in a pledge to be allies, to uplift survivors, and to work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard, every story is respected, and every individual is empowered to heal. We believe it is possible to create a future where sexual violence is eradicated, and every person feels safe, believed, and supported.
Denim Day Origins
Denim Day originated from a landmark case in Italy in the 1990s that sparked international outrage and advocacy for victims of sexual assault. The story begins in 1992 in a small town near Rome, Italy, where an 18-year-old girl, known as "Rosie," was sexually assaulted by her driving instructor. Following the assault, Rosie reported the incident to the police, and the perpetrator was arrested and charged.
However, the case took a shocking turn during the trial. The defense attorney for the perpetrator argued that the victim's jeans were so tight that she must have assisted in removing them, implying consent. This argument, based on victim-blaming and misconceptions about sexual assault, ultimately led to the acquittal of the perpetrator by the Italian Supreme Court in 1999.
In response to this injustice, women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work. This act of solidarity spread beyond Italy and evolved into an international movement known as Denim Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness about sexual violence, challenge victim-blaming attitudes, and advocate for justice and support for survivors.
Today, Denim Day is observed annually in April, with individuals and organizations worldwide wearing denim to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and to promote a culture of consent, respect, and support. The story behind Denim Day serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging harmful attitudes and beliefs surrounding sexual violence and supporting survivors in their journey toward healing and justice.
Denim Donations
A heartfelt thank you to the Shasta County District Attorney's Office for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Their annual denim drive not only exemplifies generosity but also amplifies the importance of standing in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.
Together, we're making a powerful statement against misconceptions and advocating for a world free from violence. We are grateful for their dedication to the Denim Day movement. Thank you for being champions for change!
