JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The Denim Day story began as an international movement originating in Italy in 1992 and was organized as a response to the Italian Supreme Court’s decision in which a rape conviction was overturned.
An 18-year old girl was raped by the 45-year old driving instructor who was taking her to her very first driving lesson. He took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, removed her jeans and forcefully raped her.
She reported the rape and the perpetrator was arrested and prosecuted. He was then convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming that they had consensual sex.
The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and the perpetrator was released. A statement from the Court argued that because the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex. This became known throughout Italy as the “jeans alibi.”
This court decision sparked protests and created an international uproar. As a symbolic gesture, protestors wore jeans in front of the steps of courts, including the Italian Supreme Court, to show solidarity with the victim.
Since then, what started as a local campaign to bring awareness to victim-blaming and destructive myths that surround sexual violence grew into a movement.
As the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history, Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.
This year, Denim Day is held April 28, and in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, or SAAPM, activities, Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commanding general at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, signed an official authorization March 3 allowing all military personnel under her command to participate in this event.
As the senior commander for JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Camp Bullis, Richardson is leading by example reaffirming the Army’s commitment to combat and eliminate sexual assault across our force and our community.
In her message to the force, the general also encourages leaders throughout her organization to talk to their Soldiers about efforts such as “Not in My Squad” and how to treat all members of the team with dignity and respect.
Participation in the observance is encouraged, as it considered a sign of commitment to a positive climate of dignity and respect and demonstration of support of sexual assault victims and survivors.
Denim Day is a great opportunity to show support and commitment to awareness and prevention of sexual assault. This observation also aligns with Army’s theme for SAAPM, which is “Building Cohesive Teams through Character, Trust, and Resilience. Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission."
Hence, on April 28, remember that wearing denim is not just a fashion statement, but a sign of commitment, support and empathy.