April 29th marks the fourth year that the the Massachusetts Legislative Women’s Caucus recognizes Denim Day, an annual event to support those who have been the victims of sexual violence.
The first Denim Day was held in LA in 1999 in reaction to a famous Italian Court Case in which an 18 year old girl was assaulted by her 45 year old instructor. The instructor was tried and convicted, but was released years later on an appeal that the sex was consensual. In a court opinion, one justice noted that because the girl was wearing very tight jeans, she must have helped him to remove them and therefore there was consent. Female members of the Italian parliament were outraged and wore jeans in solidarity with the survivor.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault you are not alone, there are support systems available. If you or someone you know needs support, please visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/sexual-assault-prevention-and-survivor-services
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse please see: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/domestic-violence-programs-for-survivors or https://www.fcr-ma.org/.
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