WHY DENIM?

Denim Day is sponsored by the Bay Area Women's Center to enlist public support to dispel harmful attitudes about rape. The Denim Day campaign began as part of an international protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to dismiss 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. The unpopular verdict became an international symbol of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.

FACTS:

Every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
Approximately 2/3 of all sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.
1 out of 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted rape or completed rape.
60% of rapes are NOT reported to the police.
35% of college men who voluntarily participated in psychological research indicated they might commit a rape if they knew they could get away with it.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Partner with us to host a Denim Day fundraiser by asking staff to wear denim and make a donation to BAWC. You can host a campaign in-person, virtually, or both.

All funds raised through Denim Day support sexual assault programs at the Bay Area Women’s Center. Our sexual assault program provides survivors with free and confidential help in their time of need. Please show your support for survivors by wearing denim April 30 and considering a donation.