Denim Day fosters awareness of sexual violence

The Sexual Violence and Rape Preventions Programming Committee is sponsoring Denim Day at St. Thomas on Friday, Oct. 23. The committee asks UST community members to wear jeans that day to show their support.

Denim Day is an internationally recognized day of protest against sexual violence in the world. The movement stems from a 1992 Italian court case in which the conviction of a rapist was overturned because the victim was wearing jeans; the judge ruled that “she had to help him remove them and, by removing the jeans, it was no longer rape but consensual sex.” As a sign of protest to this ruling, the women of the Italian legislature began wearing jeans to work.

The Denim Day fashion statement is designed to help create awareness about sexual violence. To participate, pick up a Denim Day button from a sponsoring locations listed below, and on Friday wear jeans and the button.

"When people ask about the button, share the story and the awareness that sexual violence is an injustice that all community members have a part in preventing," said Drew Puroway, an academic counselor and a member of the committee. "Take the opportunity to teach those around you about the importance of consent and bystander intervention."

In conjunction with Denim Day, Theology on Tap will discuss “Rape, War and Augustinian Notions of Radical Evil,” which will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in Koch Commons. In addition, the Wellness Center will hold a self-defense class at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct 20, in the third-floor gym, O’Shaughnessy Hall.

Denim Day button pick-up locations: