Since 1999, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol against destructive attitudes surrounding sexual assault that blame victims for the assaults perpetrated against them. The Denim Day campaign was originally triggered by a ruling in the Italian Supreme Court, where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans and jeans are difficult to remove, she must have BEEN COMPLICIT, and helped the rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans to show solidarity with the victim. Denim Day always takes place in April, which is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
Denim Day: An evening on the denim carpet supports the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA).
LaFASA is the coalition agency that serves statewide sexual assault crisis centers through education, professional training, technical assistance, and community engagement resulting in safer, healthier, stronger, and better-informed communities throughout Louisiana. LaFASA also provides advocacy and legal services directly to survivors and cultivates prevention in our communities. All services are FREE of charge
LAFASA'S MISSION:
LaFASA is committed to empowering survivors, engaging advocates, and changing systems and social norms to end sexual violence in Louisiana.