You can leave this site quickly.
Learn more about Internet safety.
Denim Day of Action
On a sunny morning in April, dozens of advocates from the movement to end violence—all wearing denim—gathered on the steps of City Hall in to commemorate Denim Day of Action in New York City, a day recognized across the country as one to raise awareness, support survivors and debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
Joyful Heart Foundation staff members were proud to stand with advocates from the community including New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Makowitz, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and Council Member Julissa Ferreas at a press conference. Elected officials and representatives from community-based organizations called for effective community programming and education to prevent and end sexual assault and relationship violence, and both borough presidents and City Council presented proclamations officially declaring April 27, 2011 as Denim Day. We were joined by members of the media, who covered the event for local news outlets.
Denim Day of Action was originally created by Joyful Heart’s Los Angeles-based program partner, Peace Over Violence. It was sparked by the story of a young girl who was raped by her driving instructor in Italy while wearing tight jeans. In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court reasoned the victim’s tight jeans meant that she must have consented. Since then, Denim Day has become a movement across the country.
Read more about Denim Day of Action on the Joyful Heart Blog and learn how you can organize your own Denim Day event at www.denimdayusa.org.
Your Voices