Denim Day

Wear Denim on Wednesday

April 25, 2007!

Denim Day is sponsored by Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) to enlist public support to dispel harmful attitudes about rape.

The Denim Day campaign began in 1999 with CALCASA and LACAAW, the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women, 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 of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.

Denim Day is an outward example of how a community can help change people’s perceptions about violence against women, men and children. Please support us by:

• Wearing denim on April 25, 2007
• Wearing the “Why Denim?” button available through CARE.
• Talking about the court case and other harmful myths that exist about sexual assault.

We salute all of you willing to join us in the fight for a safer community for all people. Please contact CARE at 949-824-7273 if you have any additional questions or would like more information on this or future programs.