Denim Day

On Wednesday, April 23rd, Peace Over Violence presents the 10th Annual Denim Day in LA, a campaign to raise awareness and educate the public about rape and sexual assault. Here's more information about the event:

In 1998, an Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans. People all over the world were outraged. Wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Last year, on Denim Day an unprecedented 300,000 people signed up to wear jeans in support of raising awareness about the need to end sexual violence. This year we aim to at least double that amount.

On Denim Day in LA wear your jeans as a visible sign of protest against the myths that still surround sexual assault!

Learn the statistics. Download the press kit.

Also visit Safe Horizon, an organization whose mission is "to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities."

Wear jeans on Wednesday no matter where in the world you live! I'm participating, clad in a comfy pair of blue jeans and a Tinker Bell top which declares DON'T TINKER WITH ME.

Further Reading

Sometimes it's hard to discuss such subjects with your kids or your students. Break the ice by reading then discussing a work of fiction. I strongly recommend the following titles for teens and adults.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Hold Me Tight by Lorie Ann Grover
Circle the Soul Softly by Davida Wills Hurwin
Stained by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess
Leftovers by Laura Wiess
Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger

For additional titles, please consult my Tough Issues for Teens booklist.