Today is #DenimDay ❤️ we wear jeans as a fashion statement and means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence and “with a purpose, [to] support survivors, and educate [our]selves and others about all forms of sexual violence” .
“Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual harassment, abuse, assault, and rape.” .
In Italy in 1992 an 18 year old girl was raped by a 45 year old driving instructor. He was convicted on a lesser charge and then she appealed. He was then convicted of rape and went to serve his time. While in prison he appealed to Italy’s Supreme Court stating that the sex was consensual. The Supreme Court overturned his conviction stating that the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she had to have helped him remove them, and by doing so it was not rape, but consensual sex. This is known as the “jeans alibi” .
Women in the Italian parliament were enraged and launched a protest wearing jeans to the Supreme Court. The protest was picked up across the world, which is how Denim Day was born. Many states honor it, but many more should! The Supreme Court finally overturned their previous ruling in 2008 but the war rages on. .
Today I wear jeans by @agolde and a top by #aceandjig made with their Denim Mosaic textile.
