About Denim Day

DENIM DAY is an international campaign designed to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and to demonstrate support for sexual assault survivors.

The origins date back to Rome 1992, when an 18-year-old girl raped by her driving instructor. The instructor was initially found guilty, but later had his case overturned. In a statement released by the Supreme Court, the Head Judge argued, “Because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them…and by removing the jeans…it was no longer rape but consensual sex.” Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched into action immediately and protested the decision by wearing jeans on the steps of the Italian Parliament building. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same—and a movement was born.

On April 26, 2017, we celebrate Denim Day as a way to honor survivors. We are asking everyone in the Columbia community to participate in this educational campaign by making a social statement – wearing jeans (or something denim) as a visible demonstration of support for sexual assault survivors.

Pledge Your Support

By signing, I pledge to participate in Denim Day and take a stand against sexual violence and stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors.

www.health.columbia.edu/pledge

Denim Day