Denim Day is recognized on the last Wednesday of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States.
In 1992, in Italy, an 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor on the side of the road. The instructor was taken to criminal court, convicted of the crime, and sentenced to jail.
In 1999, the Italian Parliament overturned the court decision. Despite the initial verdict, the offender appealed, arguing that the rape was “consensual” because the victim’s jeans were too tight. The court agreed, reasoning that she would have had to remove the jeans herself, which they claimed meant that a “real” rape did not occur. As a result, the offender was released. This ruling became known as the “jeans alibi.”
Because of the overturning of the case, the Italian Parliament faced significant backlash. Many people challenged the harmful argument about what constitutes “real rape.” Women and allies across Italy wore jeans in solidarity with the survivor and protested the decision.
The story spread internationally, and on the last Wednesday of April in 1999, the California-based organization Peace Over Violence held the first Denim Day campaign.
Since 1999, Denim Day has become an international movement dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and challenging misconceptions about sexual assault. It emphasizes that sexual violence is never the victim’s fault and that a person’s clothing is never an invitation for assault.
How Bay View Advocates During Denim Day
Throughout the month of April, Bay View has collected donated jeans to support those in need and decorated lockers with teal ribbons in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These efforts show support for survivors and help raise awareness within the school community.
On April 29, staff and students advocate for survivors by wearing jeans on Denim Day in solidarity with victims of sexual assault.
How Bay View Supports Survivors
In addition to participating in Denim Day and SAAM activities, Bay View provides ongoing support and resources for survivors.
“We provide regular support at a quiet pace to help students relax, along with counseling and therapy. We sometimes connect students to additional mental health support if the issue is especially intense and impacts their daily lives. Bay View also provides outside resources, such as connecting families with the police, the district attorney, and community mental health services.”
— Mrs. Hansen-Theil, Bay View Psychologist
“It can be complicated to assist students because sometimes they move before help can be provided. In some cases, patterns repeat across generations. For example, when we speak with students in unhealthy romantic relationships, they may say that the behaviors they are experiencing are similar to what they see at home.”
— Mrs. Hansen-Theil, Bay View Psychologist
A Denim Day collection box sits in the hallway. The drive, organized in partnership with the Milwaukee Community Crossroads' Violence Prevention Program, collects denim donations to benefit local domestic violence shelters.
