Denim Day for Peace Over Violence
Every year, Peace Over Violence presents Denim Day, a campaign to raise awareness and educate the public about rape and sexual assault. Here's more information about the event:
In 1998, an Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans. People all over the world were outraged. Wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.
In 2007, 300,000 people signed up to wear jeans in support of raising awareness about the need to end sexual violence.
In 2008, on the 10th Annual Denim Day, over 600,000 individuals, 350 organizations, 75 businesses, 110 schools, 40 cities in LA county and representatives from over 20 states signed up to support the sexual violence prevention and education campaign Denim Day in LA and Denim Day USA 2008.
On Denim Day, wear your jeans as a visible sign of protest against the myths that still surround sexual assault!
Learn the statistics. Download the press kit.
Also visit Safe Horizon, an organization whose mission is "to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities."
I encourage you to wear jeans on Denim Day no matter where in the world you live! On Denim Day 2008, I was clad in a comfy pair of blue jeans and a Tinker Bell top which declares DON'T TINKER WITH ME. For Denim Day 2009, I paired my blue jeans with my Go Overboard Challenge T-shirt.
Further Reading
Sometimes it's hard to discuss such subjects with your kids or your students. Break the ice by reading then discussing a work of fiction. I strongly recommend the following titles for teens and adults.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Hold Me Tight by Lorie Ann Grover
Circle the Soul Softly by Davida Wills Hurwin
Stained by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles
Purge by Sarah Darer Littman
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess
Leftovers by Laura Wiess
Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger
For additional titles, please consult my Tough Issues for Teens booklist.
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