Milwaukee City Wire

On April 30, Denim Day will be observed internationally to support victims of sexual assault and advocate for prevention programs. This annual event, since 1999, aims to shift public perception and raise awareness about sexual violence. Denim Day is observed every year on the last Wednesday of April.

The origins of Denim Day trace back to a 1998 decision by the Italian Supreme Court that overturned a rape conviction. The court argued that the victim, a teenager wearing tight jeans, assisted in their removal during the incident, implying her consent. In solidarity, female members of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work the following day. This act inspired the global observance of Denim Day, demonstrating support for sexual assault victims and countering misconceptions about sexual misconduct.

Schools like MPS will participate by hosting workshops to help students become more aware, access resources, and empower themselves and others against sexual violence. This initiative, now in its fourth year, has reached over 1,000 students and continues to expand.

Participants are encouraged to wear jeans and choose colors representing different forms of violence: purple for domestic violence and orange for violence against women and girls.

Further information can be found at denimdayinfo.org and peaceoverviolence.org/denim-day.