L.A. officials recognize Denim Day

Elected officials, survivors of sexual violence and supporters of victims of sexual assault Wednesday recognized Denim Day 2024 and the 25th anniversary of the sexual violence prevention and education campaign.

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Denim Day, which evolved from a local grassroots action in Los Angeles to a worldwide movement in 1999, was started in response to an Italian Supreme Court verdict that sparked international outrage when judges overturned a rapist's conviction, arguing that because the victim wore tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them, implying consent.

The spontaneous protest following that verdict has grown into an international movement for awareness and support for survivors of rape and sexual violence, shepherded by Peace Over Violence.

Denim Day is traditionally on the last Wednesday of April as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Patti Giggans, Denim Day founder and chief executive officer for Peace Over Violence, attended Denim Day at City Hall. The sexual and domestic violence prevention center is headquartered in Los Angeles.

"Over the last 25 years, Denim Day has reached over 100 million individuals, people in all 50 states and then over 100 countries have worn jeans on purpose," Giggans said. "This campaign along with other movement organizing has empowered victims and survivors, and created allies who influence legislation, and gave voice to those who had been silenced."

She added that the goal has been to encourage people to wear jeans with the purpose of supporting survivors, educating others and challenging rape culture and misogynistic victim blaming.

Over half of all women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. While awareness has increased in the last 25 years, Denim Day 2024 comes at a crucial time as Congress has threatened to cut funding from the Victims of Crimes Act that supports survivors of sexual violence crimes with much needed services, according to Peace Over Violence.

These federal funding cuts are expected to top nearly $700 million, impacting survivors and organizations nationwide.

Giggans called on everybody to make themselves heard and demand VOCA funding remained protected. She noted that it took five decades to get where we are Wednesday, and if the funding gets cut, that progress would be decimated.

L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who chairs the Board of Supervisors, echoed Giggans message.

"While we show up wearing denim and standing in solidarity, the action we must take is ensuring that the funding continues, and we will provide that funding in Los Angeles County for these services," Horvath said.

She also made it a point that sexual violence is not just a women's issue, but an issue of crime that impacts everyone. Everyone has a responsibility to do something about it, Horvath added.

Supervisor Hilda Solis presented Peace Over Violence with a $50,000 check to support their Youth Over Violence Program, which is intended to provide services to young people, in particular, immigrant youth.

District Attorney George Gascón encouraged men to engage in discussions about sexual violence and to help reduce such crimes. Among other speakers at Wednesday's news conference was City Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Traci Park and Heather Hutt, as well as City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto.

Rita Garcia, CEO of TransLatin@ Coalition, was also in attendance, alongside Deputy Mayor of L.A. Brian Williams, Director of the Department of Public Health Barbara Ferrer and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Communities throughout Southern California are also participating in Denim Day by wearing jeans and denim to show solidarity with victims of sexual assault. Pasadena city officials and employees are encouraged to wear denim jeans to show their support.

"Join us in recognizing Denim Day this Wednesday, April 24, by wearing denim and sharing the importance of this day of action," the City of Pasadena said in a statement on social media.

The Peace Over Violence resource center provides services and support in the Los Angeles area for survivors of sexual violence. Information, referral and advocacy services are available online at peaceoverviolence.org 24 hours daily:

-- Central Los Angeles: 213-626-3393;

-- South Los Angeles: 310-392-8381;

-- West San Gabriel Valley: 626-793-3385;

-- Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE (4673); and

-- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)

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