Join WEAVE along with sister agencies working together to end sexual violence for the Denim Day Rally at the California State Capitol. The rally will be held on the East Lawn of the Capitol. 

History of Denim Day: The Denim Day story began in Italy 1992, when an 18-year old girl was raped by the 45-year old driving instructor who was taking her to her first driving lesson. 

She reported the rape and the perpetrator was convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming that the sex was consensual, leading the Italian Supreme Court to overturn the conviction and issuing a statement that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she had to help remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex. 

Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. This protest was picked up by international media which inspired similar demonstrations throughout the world. Today, Denim Day is recognized internationally in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.