Congresswoman Gwen Moore Recognizes Denim Day, Supports Survivors of Sexual Violence

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Recognizes Denim Day, Supports Survivors of Sexual Violence

Originating from a 1990s Italian Supreme Court case in which a victim's "tight jeans" were used as grounds for her rapist's conviction reversal, Denim Day seeks to end victim blaming and protests harmful narratives directed toward victims of assault. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing Denim Day. Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

"As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, I am proud to recognize Denim Day - a powerful reminder of the need to change harmful myths around sexual violence.

Too often, victims of sexual violence are unjustly judged on their clothing choices and faulted for their trauma. Denim Day stands as a visible act of solidarity as we wear denim to raise awareness for sexual violence, reject victim blaming, and recognize that sexual assault is always the fault of the perpetrator and never the victim" said Congresswoman Moore.

"Too many survivors of sexual violence are forced to carry the weight of what happened to them alone. I'm proud to introduce this resolution honoring Denim Day as we stand in solidarity with and support of survivors, raise awareness, and work together to prevent sexual violence and protect more Americans," said Senator Baldwin.

"For far too long we have allowed a culture that looks at what a woman is wearing instead of the person who committed the crime. It is simply not okay," said Congresswoman Dingell. "I am proud to lead this resolution alongside Congresswoman Moore and Senator Baldwin to recognize Denim Day and stand with survivors to say clearly that clothing is never an invitation. We must stop victim-blaming, always listen to survivors, and continue working together to end the stigma that has enabled sexual assault against women and children across the world."

"Sexual Assault is in the headlines every day. Rape Crisis Centers are responding to the needs of survivors 24/7 but more must be done to address and end sexual assault. Denim Day provides an important reminder that survivors deserve support not blame. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a focused time for our leaders to recommit to investing in solutions and modeling respectful behavior and accountability. We can collectively do better," said Terri Poore, Policy Director, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

Denim Day began as a response to injustice, and for more than 25 years it has grown into a global movement challenging the harmful myths that perpetuate sexual violence. We are deeply encouraged to see members of Congress recognize Denim Day and stand with survivors. This resolution reaffirms Denim Day's original powerful message: there is never an excuse and never an invitation for sexual violence in any form - and supporting survivors must remain a national priority," said Patti Giggans, Executive Director/CEO of Peace Over Violence and Founder of Denim Day.