Denim Day: Making a statement through fashion to denounce sexual violence

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you saw women wearing more denim on Wednesday, it was much more than a fashion statement.

In the 1990s, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because a victim’s jeans were considered too tight.

The decision sparked a worldwide campaign and the first Denim Day in 1999. For 25 years, women have worn denim on April 24 because choice of clothes is never an excuse for assault.

To honor Denim Day, the Women’s Center of Jacksonville held its annual “Thrive” breakfast Wednesday morning to show support for survivors and to raise awareness that help is just a phone call away.

Statistics show that half of all women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Two survivors, Chelsie and Mare shared their stories during the breakfast event Wednesday.

Their common mission is to empower people to speak up about sexual assault and know they’re not alone.

Teresa Miles, the executive director of WCJ, says they will walk alongside all survivors.

“This is not just women. This is men. It is any individual who has experienced sexual violence,” Miles said. “And they don’t have to come to us to report a crime. We’re just here to support, advocate for them and we also work very closely with law enforcement if prosecution is the desire of the survivor.”

This year’s Thrive breakfast also featured Dr. Keith Edwards, a TEDx speaker who focuses on rape culture and actionable steps to stop sexual violence. He said we can all intervene when sexual violence is imminent and even when it’s not.

“We’ve been very well miseducated — me as well,” Edwards said. “How do we recognize the message that we’ve learned? How do we unlearn that?”

Denim Day participants in Jacksonville were left with the responsibility that we can all be a part of the solution.

WCJ’s rape crisis hotline is 904-721-7273 if you need help. All of the services they offer are free.

If you want to support the mission, visit thewcj.org, find the Thrive tab and make a donation.

Resources for survivors and their families:

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 24 hours, call 1-800-656-4673

• Women’s Center of Jacksonville’s 24-hour rape crisis hotline: 904-721-7273

• Sexual abuse survivors in the Jacksonville area can get resources through Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS), call 904-448-1933 or email info@jfcsjax.org