AS Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) draws to a close, communities worldwide are preparing to observe Denim Day on April 24, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and challenging victim-blaming attitudes.

In Guyana, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through its Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, is encouraging individuals to wear denim as a symbol of solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and as a stance against harmful myths and misconceptions that perpetuate victim blaming.

Dr. Cona Husbands, Head of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit at the Ministry, underscores the significance of Denim Day in the fight against sexual violence. “Denim Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against sexual assault and the importance of supporting survivors,” she states. “By wearing denim, we show our commitment to ending victim blaming and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.”

Originating in Italy in 1998, Denim Day emerged in response to a shocking court decision overturning a rape conviction based on the victim’s attire. Now, 25 years later, Denim Day continues to symbolise solidarity and resistance against sexual violence.

The history behind Denim Day serves as a stark reminder of the need to speak out against injustice. In 1992, in Muro Lucano, Italy, an 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first lesson. Despite an initial conviction, the Italian Supreme Court later overturned the ruling, citing the victim’s tight jeans as evidence of consent. This decision sparked outrage and led to the first Denim Day protest in Italy, where women wore jeans to work in solidarity with the survivor.

Dr. Husbands urges individuals and groups to share photos of themselves wearing denim on social media, tagging the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security using the hashtags #EndGVB #SAAM #DenimDay, to amplify the message of solidarity and support for survivors of sexual violence.