Displaying until April 28, 2016
See also: http://www.care.uci.edu/events/denim-day.html
The Denim Day campaign began in 1999 as part of an international protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The Italian Supreme Court dismissed charges against a 45-year old rape suspect because his 18-year-old victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The Court stated in its decision that "It is common knowledge…that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them…and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might." The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand coercion, threats and violence go along with the act of rape. The unpopular verdict became an international symbol of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.
How to show your support
Denim Day is an outward example of how a community can help change people's perceptions about violence against women, men and children. Please support us by:
- Wearing denim on Denim Day on April 27, 2016
- Wearing the "Why Denim?" button available through CARE.
- Talking about the court case and other harmful myths that exist about sexual assault.
We salute all of you willing to join us in the fight for a safer community for all people. Please contact CARE at 949-824-7273 if you have any additional questions or would like more information on this or future programs.
Photo Contest
Each year, staff groups and departments around UCI participate in a Denim Day photo contest to promote awareness on campus. The winner, chosen by CARE staff and student interns, gets a Pizza Party. Photos are judged based on creativity, originality, capturing the spirit of the challenge, and demonstrating awareness of the purpose of Denim Day.
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