April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Denim Day will be observed on April 29, 2026. It is important to know the origin and purpose of this global campaign, the alarming statistics regarding sexual violence, and why it matters.
In 1992, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction based on the belief that the victim was wearing jeans so tight, she must have helped the perpetrator remove them, thereby implying consent. This ruling sparked outrage among the world and led the women of the Italian Parliament to wear denim in protest of the decision and in support of the victim. It is because of their actions that inspired a global movement, and Denim Day was born in 1999.
By wearing denim, it is a powerful visible statement: “clothing never implies consent”. It sends a visual message of solidarity for survivors of sexual assault and against victim-blaming. Denim Day gives us the opportunity to educate our community, challenge harmful myths, and promote conversations surrounding the realities of sexual violence.
Over 50% of women, and one in three men experience sexual violence in their lifetime. 7 out of 10 assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, but 82% of these go unreported. Among reported offenses, only 25 out of 1,000 perpetrators will serve time. Sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds in the U.S., and a child is victimized every nine minutes. In fact, 44% of victims are under the age of 18.
The impact from sexual violence can also have severe and long-lasting consequences for survivors. They are three times more likely to develop depression, six times more likely to experience PTSD, and four times more likely to consider suicide. These mental health challenges can be debilitating and are usually accompanied by feelings of low self-worth, guilt, and shame. These effects, including the prevalence and frequency of sexual assault, underscore the importance for prevention.
Sexual violence remains a widespread issue. Courageous victims oftentimes have their credibility questioned, perpetuating a culture that favors the abuser. We seek to raise awareness, shift attitudes, highlight gaps in the justice system to increase accountability, and address barriers survivors may face. Our SAFE program takes a whole-person centered approach to healing and advocacy. We start by believing our patients and hope that by taking part in Denim Day, it will be an outward message to them that they will always receive compassionate and trauma-informed care here at SVH.
“Change happens when people speak out, stand together in solidarity, and refuse to accept systems that tolerate violence.” – Patricia Giggans, Denim Day Founder and Executive Director
Resources
- Why Denim Day
- King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
- DOH Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources
- RAINN
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Learn more about the SVH SAFE Program.