Denim Day observed as calls grow to challenge rape myths and stigma

Denim Day was observed on Wednesday part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with campaigners and officials calling for greater public awareness and stronger action against harmful myths surrounding sexual violence.

The initiative encourages participants to wear denim clothing in solidarity with victims and survivors of sexual violence.

The observance is linked to a 1998 case in Italy in which an 18-year-old woman was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. A court later overturned the perpetrator’s conviction after accepting his claim that the act was consensual because the victim had been wearing tight jeans, arguing they could only have been removed with her assistance. The ruling triggered widespread outrage and protests.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud said the observance plays an important role in raising awareness and challenging misconceptions about sexual violence.

“We want to say that it does not matter what you wear. No one is asking to be sexually assaulted. The intention is that when you say ‘no’, is ‘no’, and that ‘no’ must be respected irrespective of what you are wearing,” she said.

This year’s campaign carried the message “End Sexual Violence”, reinforcing calls for awareness, accountability and cultural change.