Sexual assault is problem in our world today. Wednesday, April 26 is Denim Day, where we can stand together against sexual assault.
In Italy of 1997, an 18 year old girl was raped by her 45 year old driving instructor, who was later convicted and sent to jail. The perpetrator appealed the sentence and his case made it all the way to the Italian Supreme Court, where the case was overturned. The driving instructor was released and the head judge released a statement arguing that because the girl wore tight jeans, she must have helped the man remove them. The women in the Italian Parliament were enraged by this claim. These women took immediate action, and protested by wearing jeans at the steps of the Italian Parliament building. This was the beginning of what has become a worldwide event to wear jeans to protest against misconceptions that surround sexual assault.
“It doesn’t matter what a person is wearing, sexual assault and rape is never okay. No means no, and the absence of a no does not mean yes or that consent is given. Consent cannot be given if a person is under the influence of alcohol or some substance,” said PACT teacher, Janet Harrison.
PACT would like to invite everyone to wear jeans with a purpose on April 26 and stand together against sexual assault and rape.
Story by Avery Owens
