Ali MacLean is an Advisory Board Member for the non profit, Peace Over Violence which works to eliminate sexual and domestic violence and all forms of interpersonal violence.
One of their big yearly events is Denim Day, based on an Italian court case.
Peace Over Violence states:
The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, what started as a local campaign to bring awareness to victim blaming and destructive myths that surround sexual violence has grown into a movement.
Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.
Ali posted on her socials in honor of the day:
Today is the 24th anniversary of @denimday, when we wear jeans to show solidarity w/ survivors & protest sexual violence. Join me, Denim Day & @PeaceOvrViolnce in the fight against rape culture.
To donate, text DenimDay to 71777
Check out DenimDay.org for more info.
If you have been sexually assaulted, there is help.
Peace Over Violence offers victims of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence and stalking emotional support, information, compassion, accompaniment, referral and advocacy services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LOS ANGELES RAPE & BATTERING HOTLINES
213.626.3393 (Central Los Angeles)
310.392.8381 (South Los Angeles)
626.793.3385 (West San Gabriel Valley)
NATIONAL EMERGENCY HOTLINES
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN)
800.656.HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800.799.SAFE (7233)
800.787.3224 TDD
U.S. NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER
GLBT NATIONAL HELP CENTER HOTLINE
800.246.PRIDE (7743) or Online Chat at volunteerlogin.org/chat/
Ali MacLean 