Each year, communities across the globe come together on Denim Day to take a stand against sexual violence—and it all started with a pair of jeans.
The story behind Denim Day began in 1992 in Rome, Italy. A 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by her driving instructor during her very first driving lesson. She bravely reported the crime, and he was convicted and sentenced to prison for rape.
But justice was tragically short-lived.
The convicted man appealed the ruling. In a shocking decision, the Italian High Court overturned the conviction and released him—because the young woman had been wearing tight jeans. The court ruled that the jeans were so tight, she must have helped remove them, and therefore the act was deemed consensual. This decision sparked outrage and became infamously known as the “jeans alibi.”
In response, the women of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in protest. Their silent, powerful message spread across the world—and Denim Day was born.
A Symbol of Solidarity
Today, Denim Day is recognized internationally. Every April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, people wear denim not as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of protest against harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
At Fort Bend Women’s Center, we honor this day to show unwavering support for survivors. We wear denim to remind our community: no one ever asks for or deserves to be assaulted. What someone wears is never consent.
Join Us
We invite you to stand with us this April. Take the Denim Day Challenge by wearing jeans on Denim Day in honor of survivors and in memory of those whose voices were silenced by violence.
Your voice matters. Your outfit can make a statement. Let’s raise awareness, spark conversations, and create a world where survivors are believed, supported, and never blamed.
Together, we can break the silence.