What is Denim Day? History and significance of the movement to combat sexual violence
Denim Day, observed annually in April, honors survivors of sexual violence and raises awareness about victim-blaming. Learn about its origins and the campaign.
During April, Sexual Assault Awareness month, people around the world advocate for the survivors of sexual violence through a movement called Denim Day.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, marks the 26th edition of Denim Day, but What is Denim Day? And, how did it start?
The origin of Denim Day
In 1992, in Italy, an 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first driving lesson. The man took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, took off her jeans and raped her.
Although the rape was initially reported, and the man was arrested and convicted for the crime, the Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction years later, arguing that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped him remove them, thereby implying consent. According to the Denim Day website, this, became known in Italy as the "jeans alibi".
University of Nebraska–Lincoln students support Denim Day, a movement raising awareness about sexual violence. Photo: Student Life UNL
The outrage caused in Italy led the women in the Italian Parliament to wear jeans to work in support of the victim. International media later reported on the case, and later the California Senate and Assembly to do the same on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento.
How did Denim Day came to the U.S.?
Peace Over Violence, according to their website, is a "sexual and domestic violence, intimate partner stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention center" located in Los Angeles.
They developed the campaign "Denim Day" as a way to raise awareness over victim-blaming and other issues in sexual violence cases. The campaign quickly became popular and is now the longest-running sexual violence prevention initiative.
When is Denim Day?
This year, Denim Day is on Wednesday, April 30, 2025; however, the date changes every year as it is typically celebrated on the last Wednesday of April.
