The origins of Denim Day can be traced back to a 1992 incident in Italy where an 18-year-old woman was raped by her driving instructor. Despite the attacker’s conviction, the Italian Supreme Court overturned the ruling, claiming that the victim’s tight jeans implied consent. This sparked outrage and led to a protest by women in the Italian Parliament who wore denim on the Supreme Court steps. Inspired by this action, the California Senate and Assembly followed suit, donning denim in solidarity. This event marked the birth of the Denim Day movement, which has continued to gain momentum each year since its inception in 1999. The movement serves as a reminder of the prevalence of sexual violence, challenges misconceptions, and promotes awareness about the importance of consent.
Denim Day: Standing in Solidarity Against Sexual Assault
