A Historical Verdict, Denim Day, and America’s Unceasing Fight for Justice

It’s all too easy to forget that clothing, like monuments or national anthems, carry their own histories. In the case of jeans, a symbol of American ruggedness and reliability, there is another tale worth telling: that of Denim Day. Anchored in a scandalous 1999 Italian court ruling, this movement has grown into an international call to arms against the stigmatization and marginalization of sexual assault survivors.

RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, helmed by its impassioned President, Scott Berkowitz, has embraced the day and its cause, echoing the outrage that erupted following that Italian judgment, where a rape conviction was overturned on the ludicrous basis of the victim’s tight jeans. The sentiment: she must have aided in the act.

In the two decades since, the American resonance of Denim Day has only grown, but not without the heavy lifting of organizations like RAINN and Peace Over Violence (POV). In a world where social justice is increasingly on the forefront of global consciousness, there remains a poignant simplicity in the act of donning denim. This single act unites millions, demanding that the world recognize the painful intersection of victim-blaming and the clothing we wear.

Berkowitz’s RAINN stands as a testament to the breadth of this problem. Their tireless efforts have aided over 4 million victims, a number made even more staggering when one grapples with the fact that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. As Berkowitz puts it, “This is truly an issue that affects nearly every family in America.”

It is in this ongoing battle, where narratives of resilience and agency interweave, that Denim Day remains so crucial. The kits provided by POV’s organizers, brimming with buttons, stickers, and tools for awareness, empower individuals and communities to challenge toxic misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.

RAINN’s unwavering commitment ensures victims and their families have support 24/7, including through the National Sexual Assault Hotline. The goal, according to Berkowitz, is proactive prevention and public education. RAINN’s extensive footprint, partnering with over 1,000 service providers nationwide, suggests that the work, while far from over, is in dedicated hands.

This tale of denim and determination serves as a testament to how society can transform symbols, forging paths toward justice and understanding.