Denim Day

Californians across the state are urged to break the dress code and the silence Wednesday, April 22nd by wearing jeans to participate in Denim Day California. Denim Day is being sponsored by the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA). Denim Day California campaign began in 1999 with CALCASA and LACAAW, Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women, as part of an international protest of an Italian High 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 of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.

Since April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month you might want to visit a new section in the LAF Online Resource Library.