The history of Denim Day is rich with a legacy of solidarity, starting with Peace Over Violence Executive Director Patti Giggans, founding Denim Day in 1999 as a way to protest rape culture and challenge misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.
Denim Day stems from a court case in the 1990s where the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim’s jeans were very tight, reasoning she must have helped her attacker remove them, and implying consent. Women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans; Patti saw this and believed we all should be acting in solidarity with this survivor and all survivors of sexual violence, challenging these harmful attitudes and culture, and educating ourselves and others. The Denim Day campaign was born, asking people to engage in the simple act of wearing denim as a powerful protest message. What started as a simple grassroots campaign has now developed into an international movement with millions participating each year.
It has been twenty-one years since our first Denim Day and the spirit and message of solidarity is now more relevant than ever. We understand the power of solidarity in fostering hope, healing, and action. We are one week away from Denim Day 2020, and we invite you to join us in solidarity with communities - our last theme leading up to our virtual rally next Wednesday, April 29th - and for all of our upcoming events!
Connect with us!
April 24
One on one, one by one powered by POV’s volunteers
“One on One, One by One” is a new virtual education program that will engage community members from different generations on a variety of topics. It will be powered by our POV volunteers who will lead discussions with folks on social media, in virtual meetings, and in their homes. Our first topic will focus on Empathetic Listening.
Prevention @ Home: Violence Prevention Specialist Training
Hosted by our Prevention Squad, these will be Instagram Live sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Every week we will teach a different unit from our In Touch With Teens curriculum. To tune in, follow us on Instagram at @peaceovrviolnce and @youthoverviolence.
April 29
Denim Day Online Rally
Let's gather our virtual selves in the virtual world for an unprecedented virtual Denim Day Rally. For those of us who have been wearing pajamas and sweatpants for the past few weeks, we can change into our denim for a good cause on Wednesday, April 29th at 2pm PST/5pm EST, where we will be joined by our partner Denim Day NYC!
In solidarity, let's wear our denim with a purpose!
Get all your gear to assist you in organizing your own Denim Day events and to spread awareness about sexual violence. Check out our shop today!
New Action Signs
Spread the Denim Day 2020 message of solidarity with this all-new downloadable action sign set. Featuring exclusive, original art by Lucía Coz. Print them at home and display them in your window or on your door, yard, or car.
On April 29, wear jeans with a purpose and show your support for survivors with a custom Zoom background for all your virtual meetings. Choose from six free, downloadable styles in the Denim Day shop.
This year, we anticipate millions more to activate, agitate and participate by making a social statement with their fashion statement and wearing jeans with a purpose on Denim Day! Are you one of them? Let us know!
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