April 2024 marks the official 23rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but did you know we can trace its history back even longer?  

Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is a widespread issue and impacts everyone in the community. Denim Day takes place on the last Wednesday of April in commemoration of SAAM.  

What is Denim Day?  

Denim was worn in support of survivors after a rape conviction was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court in 1999. Judges said the victim implied consent by wearing tight jeans, and in response, women in the Italian Parliament came to work the next day wearing jeans to stand with the victim in solidarity. What started as a local campaign to bring awareness to destructive myths that surround sexual violence grew into a movement.  

As the longest running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history, Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses, and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing denim on this day as a visible means of protesting the misconceptions that surround sexual violence. Denim Day is a day to show your support for survivors and to eliminate victim blaming. Victim blaming, whether intentional or unintentional, is a problem in our community and communities across the country.  

Participating in Denim Day provides a wonderful opportunity for Radiant Futures to show solidarity with survivors of abuse around the country and to encourage open discussion about how we can work to reduce violence in our communities.  

How can you participate?  

Wear denim on Denim Day, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Talk about the harmful myths that exist surrounding sexual assault. Take a selfie and share on social media #DenimDay and tag @radiant_futures 

If you or someone you know can benefit from our services, please contact Radiant Futures’ Helpline at (877) 531-5522 for more information.