Denim Day: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault
"First and foremost, it is of paramount importance that UHD employees and students know that if they witness or receive any information regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic abuse, or stalking committed by or against a UHD student or UHD employee," stated Ruiz, "they should reach out to me at 713-221-5771 or [email protected]. Employees are actually required to report incidents to me promptly."
What's the significance of wearing denim? This campaign began after a 1992 ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that consent was implied since the victim was wearing tight jeans. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, what started as a local campaign to bring awareness to victim blaming and destructive myths that surround sexual violence has grown into a movement. As the longest running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history, Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses, and students to make a social and fashion statement by wearing jeans on this day.