Dozens of people clad in jeans took part in a Denim Day solidarity rally eld Wednesday at Los Angeles City Hall to support survivors of sexual violence and raise awareness about victim-blaming.
The event, hosted by Peace Over Violence, was held on the South Lawn steps of City Hall, facing First Street.
The rally featured survivor stories, community resource booths, interactive activities and music, along with informational outreach tied to Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“As the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history, Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students, and all individuals to make a social statement with their fashion statement by wearing jeans on Denim Day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that continue to surround sexual violence,” according to DenimDay.org.
Denim Day is recognized annually on the last Wednesday in April and originated in response to a 1990s court ruling in Italy that overturned a rape conviction, citing the victim’s tight jeans as evidence of consent.
The decision sparked protests, including demonstrations by women in the Italian Parliament who wore jeans in solidarity with the victim, drawing international attention.
Inspired by those protests, Patti Giggans launched the campaign in Los Angeles in 1999 through Peace Over Violence.
Since then, the effort has grown into a worldwide movement aimed at challenging myths about sexual assault and supporting survivors.
Participants are encouraged to wear denim as a visible sign of solidarity and to promote education and prevention efforts in their communities.
Giggans was among those addressing the crowd Wednesday at City Hall.
Separately, organizers said a Denim Run will be held Sunday at Ocean View Park in Santa Monica.
The event, described as the world’s first run dedicated to recognizing the courage and resilience of sexual assault survivors, will include a 5K walk/run and a wellness festival.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 9:15 a.m. and will feature honorary survivors and Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torisis, organizers said.