Students and staff across campuses participated in Denim Day on April 29 to support those who have experienced sexual violence, while ASU programs work to spread awareness about sexual violence prevention.
April is officially reserved for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The month is a time for survivors and communities to speak openly and increase awareness about sexual violence, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
As part of SAAM, Denim Day is recognized on the last Wednesday of April. Participants wear denim jeans in solidarity with individuals who have experienced sexual violence.
The story of Denim Day began in 1992 after an Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction. The justices concluded there was implied consent because the girl wore tight jeans at the time of the incident, arguing that she must've helped remove them.
Women of the Italian Parliament wore jeans after the reversal, in protest of the ruling. This act pioneered early conversations about victim blaming and the deconstruction of myths surrounding sexual violence, according to the Denim Day website.
The day is now recognized as the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history.
ASU first participated in Denim Day in 2004, according to its website. Students and faculty wore denim jeans in protest against sexual violence.
Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention at ASU has continued to spread awareness through its participation in Denim Day and by providing education and confidential advocacy for students. The program focuses on promoting positive community norms to reduce violence and harassment.
Nicole Gonzalez, the SRVP program manager, said the program makes a big effort to put out messaging during campaign months like SAAM to help students build their skills to prevent violence.
"The idea behind Denim Day is to not only raise awareness that sexual violence is something that happens, but then also create a supportive community," Gonzalez said.
SRVP offers Denim Day stickers with hopeful messages for students to acknowledge the day further. The teal stickers represent the designated sexual violence prevention color.
The program collects feedback from people who have experienced sexual violence to decide which messages are placed on the stickers. Messages including "I protest sexual violence" and "I support survivors" were chosen to resonate with students, Gonzalez said.
Kyle Mona-Hunter, a senior studying clinical exercise science and a peer health educator, said the original story behind the day is a good example of why the program's work is necessary.
Education about consent and sharing resources with students is SRVP's main mission when addressing sexual violence, he said.
"If someone's not aware that the help is there, then they can't reach out," Mona-Hunter said.
Events in preparation for Denim Day took place earlier this month for students participating. Educational Outreach and Student Services held a Paint your Message for Denim Day event on April 2 at the ASU California Center.
Students participated in the event by wearing denim and painting denim to show support for sexual assault survivors.
Angela Leavitt, program manager of Student Engagement at the ASU California Center, wrote in a statement that she wanted to send a message of hope and inspiration through the event and encourage survivors to see themselves through a "lens of strength."
"Working with creative students inspired me to organize the 'Paint Your Jeans' event for Denim Day, offering a meaningful way for them to use art and self-expression to raise awareness and show support for survivors," Leavitt wrote.
Interactive events like this engage students and give them personal access to resources, Leavitt said. She plans to host this event annually to continue raising awareness and providing support.
"ASU plays a critical role in addressing sexual violence by providing resources and support for survivors, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and promoting awareness that challenges harmful myths and encourages accountability," Leavitt stated.
For additional resources, contact the national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network's website. The ASU Hotline is 877-786-3385.
Edited by Alan Deutschendorf, Senna James, Emilio Alvarado, Katrina Michalak and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at dbell39@asu.edu and follow @dhemibell on X.
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Dhemi Bell is a reporter on the community and culture desk and is in her second semester at The State Press.
