Wear blue jeans to take a stand

Nevada Denim Day intended to show solidarity against sexual assault

Jim miller/ViewLu Torres, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd., stands in front of news clippings about sexual assault. The center will honor National Sexual Assault Awareness month during April. Advertisement

In honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, women from across the Las Vegas community will band together in a blue jean-clad demonstration of solidarity as part of the first Nevada Denim Day April 18.

The Rape Crisis Center, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd., will sponsor the movement.

"Blue jeans are an article of clothing that are worn pretty commonly throughout the world," executive director Lu Torres said. "But on April 18, we encourage women everywhere to join the members, staff and supporters of the center in wearing their denim as part of a way to take a stand against rape."

The movement began in outrage over attitudes held by an Italian High Court during a 1999 rape case, where the justices reasoned that because the 19-year-old victim had been wearing tight jeans at the time of her assault, she had to have been a willing participant in the act.

"The justices said that she could not have removed her tight jeans alone, and therefore she must have helped and been a participant," Torres said. "Thereby, making it a consensual act."

According to Torres, women in the Italian Legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans.

"As news of the decision spread, the protest did, as well," Torres said. "We want to invite all Clark County residents to help us get the word out through this unique protest. It is not the victim's fault when they are assaulted. It doesn't matter what she's wearing. Let's not re-victimize people."

Torres said in the past, the court of public opinion has judged victims harshly, maintaining that any woman who dresses provocatively may have brought the attack upon herself.

"That attitude isn't as prominent as it once was," Torres said. "And that's a blessing. But still, some people need reminding that what a women wears is never an excuse for rape."

Las Vegas resident Donna Jordan heard about the movement from a family friend, and said that while the simplicity in such an event might be understated, the solidarity created is a quiet scream of no tolerance.

"It's a great way to show your support for survivors," Jordan said. "It's a great way to become part of something larger than yourself."

Community members interested in participating in the event will be mailed a lapel pin, along with the full story of the original Denim Day movement.

"Rape knows no boundaries," Torres said. "Not religion, race, orientation, age or even sex. Standing together as one, we can make a difference even in the smallest of ways."

For more information, call 385-2153.