Why Denim: Honoring Survivors, Challenging Myths
As Sexual Assault Awareness Month approaches, we invite you to stand in solidarity with survivors by wearing denim. But have you ever wondered why denim has become a powerful symbol of support?
CLICK HERE to hear about the history of Denim Day from members of our team!
Denim Day is more than a fashion statement—it’s a global movement standing in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and challenging harmful misconceptions about sexual violence.
The movement began in the 1990s in Italy when the country’s Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction. The justices argued that because the teenage victim had been wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them—implying consent. This outrageous ruling became known as the “Jeans Alibi.” In protest, women in the Italian Parliament wore denim on the steps of the Supreme Court, igniting an international call to action. Since then, Denim Day has become the longest-running sexual violence prevention and awareness campaign in history. Each April, individuals and communities worldwide wear denim as a visible statement against victim-blaming and the destructive myths that enable sexual violence.
Join us for Denim & Desserts: A Night of Awareness and Action
At Resilience, we honor Denim Day by bringing our community together for Denim & Desserts, an evening dedicated to supporting survivors and raising critical funds for advocacy, prevention, and healing.
Join us on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland, MI for a night of connection, impact, and purpose. Wear your favorite denim and enjoy:
✔️ A wandering dinner with delicious appetizers and decadent desserts
✔️ Exciting games, raffle prizes, and a live auction
✔️ A powerful program featuring Karah Ruczynski and emcee Jim Babcock
Your participation helps ensure survivors have access to the life-changing support they deserve.
Learn more and reserve your spot today!
Stay Engaged This April
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and we’ll be sharing more ways to get involved in raising awareness and supporting survivors throughout the month. Keep an eye out for our upcoming TikTok on the history of Denim Day—we’ll link it here soon!
Until then, mark your calendar for Denim Day on April 30, 2025, and make a statement with your denim
