Women clad in jeans and denim jackets rallied today outside Los Angeles City Hall in observance of Denim Day.
The annual anti-sexual violence campaign is run by an organization called Peace Against Violence. Its executive director, Patricia Giggans, founded Denim Day back in 1999.
“It started as a protest against harmful attitudes and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence that, by the way, still persist,” Giggans told the assembled crowd. “A major purpose of the original Denim Day (that) continues today is to stop victim blaming, which also persists now.”
She added, “we need it more than ever.”
The inspiration for Denim Day dates back to a decision by the Italian Supreme Court in 1999, when the court overturned a rape conviction. The basis for the court’s decision? That the victim was wearing tight jeans.
The court implied in its decision that because the victim’s jeans were tight, she must have helped remove them -- in other words, consent. The ruling angered female members of the Italian Parliament, who came to work the next day wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
Speakers at today’s rally talked about the Italian court ruling, referring to “the denim defense.”
Giggans made clear that there is no excuse or invitation to rape, assault or harass anyone. Then, she announced a bit of good news: the creation of a new Los Angeles County Sexual Assault Council.
“It was a long time coming,” she said. “We are so excited to officially launch it today for our county, and it brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including the rape crisis centers, law enforcement, healthcare providers, prosecutors, social workers, survivor advocates, public health officials and community based organizations, and of course, medical examiners and forensic nurses.”
Other attendees praised the creation of this council, among them Gabby De La Rosa with Project Sister Family Services, a local sexual assault crisis center.
“It is really a space for community members, assembly members, forensic nurses, law enforcement officers, really the most key people that provide these services for survivors,” De La Rosa said. “So it’s a space to listen to the community, see what’s missing, fill in the gaps.”
Sonia Toledo, a supporter of Peace Against Violence, said she’s glad the county is making this investment in fighting sexual assault.
“I think it’s a great addition,” Toledo said. “I work with L.A. County as well, and I think that’s something I hope that was needed in the community, and I’m glad that they are now putting more effort into making a bigger impact.”
Council stakeholders will next identify what issues they need to focus on first. This includes how to get around systemic barriers faced by sexual assault survivors as they try to seek help.