Denim Day addresses myths about sexual assault

A first-ever “Denim Day for Douglas County” will take place on Wednesday, April 25.

Someplace Safe invites the community to wear denim to show their support against rape and sexual violence and the victim blaming myths that surround sexual assault.

The inspiration for Denim Day arose out of a crime that happened in Italy. In the 1990s, an 18-year-old woman was picked up by her driving instructor for her first driving lesson.

He took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car and forcefully raped her. She reported the crime and the instructor was arrested and prosecuted. He was subsequently convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. He appealed and the case made it to the Italian Supreme Court.

The court overturned the conviction and the case was dismissed. A member of the high court argued that since the victim wore very tight jeans, the instructor could not have removed them himself, and therefore the victim must have willingly participated.

Women of the Italian Legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans to work.

Since that time, numerous cities in the U.S. have established Denim Day as a means to show support against rape and sexual violence.

Someplace Safe encourages members of Douglas County to participate in this Denim Day Awareness Event by wearing jeans to work and pledging $1 in support of the victims who have survived rape and sexual assault.

For pledge sheets, flyers or more information, contact Someplace Safe at (320)-762-1995.

Tags: local news, denim day, sexual assault, news, myths