On April 26th, we will once again commemorate Denim Day, the annual event when people around the world wear jeans to show support for survivors of sexual violence and raise awareness about the issue.

Denim Day started in 1999 following an Italian Supreme Court case in the 1990s in which a rape conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The court argued that the victim’s jeans were so tight that she must have helped the perpetrator remove them, implying that she had consented to the assault. This decision sparked outrage and led to women in the Italian Parliament wearing jeans to work in solidarity with the victim.

Today, some things have changed but too much has stayed the same. Victims of assault are still questioned about and judged on what they were wearing and whether their choices somehow contributed to or provoked the attack or unwanted, unconsented advance. For the record, sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. It’s time to end victim-blaming and rape culture once and for all. 

Participating in Denim Day is a simple yet powerful way to say “NO MORE.” By sharing a selfie or a group photo with everyone wearing denim on social media, you can help send a message and start conversations with friends and family to breakdown the stigma and myths surrounding sexual abuse. 

It’s also an opportunity to find more information and resources for anyone who is interested in getting involved in efforts to stop sexual violence or anyone who is in need of help. Check out the Denim Day website and also access the free NO MORE Global Directory for links to support services in more than 200 countries around the world. 

We hope you’ll join us in wearing denim to show solidarity for survivors and our shared commitment to preventing sexual violence!

Find your local domestic violence support service at NOMOREDirectory.org