Denim Day 2012 Brings Focus To Sexual Assault Awareness

March 23, 2012
By: O. J. Cunningham

Dozens of business across Bay and Arenac counties are kicking off Sexual Assault Awareness Month by wearing denim on Monday, April 2, 2012.

Denim Day is sponsored by the Bay Area Women's Center to enlist public support to dispel harmful attitudes about rape. Locally, the Denim Day campaign began in 2003, as part of an international protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans.

The Italian Supreme Court dismissed charges against a 45-year old rape suspect because his 18-year-old victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The Court stated in its decision that ?It is common knowledge?that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them?.and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might.?

The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand coercion, threats and violence go along with the act of rape. The unpopular verdict became an international symbol.