25+ YEARS OF IMPACT

Dear Denim Day Community,

Peace Over Violence has reached over one hundred million individuals over the last 25 years that we have been organizing Denim Day nationally and internationally. People in all 50 states and in over 100 countries have worn jeans on purpose to spread awareness about sexual violence and to stand with survivors.. 

Just when some people thought that #metoo was dead, we have seen some very courageous people tell their stories. Sexual violence has been in the news with high profile individuals at the center–politicians, electeds,celebrities and music industry moguls. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape continue to be at the forefront of the conversation, and the associated trauma has a ripple effect across generations. We are reminded that our work is not done. Even in the face of funding cutbacks and campaigns to discredit survivors and their experiences, sexual and domestic violence centers must continue to stay steady and move forward. 

Denim Day is the flagship of our sexual assault awareness and prevention programming. We celebrate, we participate, we educate, and we advocate on Denim Day–a single day that symbolizes the continued outreach and prevention services and launches our year-round programming. Denim Day is a campaign, a project, and a program!  

Sexual and domestic violence are endemic in our world. The trauma from these issues is foundational and a root cause of so many social harms—like homelessness, gun violence, mass shootings, mental illness, substance abuse, and more. To truly end sexual violence, we must connect the dots with other violences and social harms and recognize the urgency of this intersectionality. Denim Day is an opportunity to include ALL survivors, their families and communities, and support the growing efforts for equity, justice, and a safer world.

Because of you, Denim Day has continued impact as the longest-running sexual violence campaign in history. The campaign has grown with you and you have grown the campaign—together we have questioned, confronted, and changed the culture. We have shifted the way people think about sexual violence and challenged behaviors that contribute to rape culture. We have educated, advocated, and spread awareness about all forms of violence—and work every day to prevent violence from happening in the first place. 

This year our theme is: Use Your Voice. Now more than ever, we encourage survivors and allies to use the most powerful tool  in your arsenal: your voice. Share your story, dispel myths and dismantle rape culture, make space for survivors to share their experiences, and advocate for the power of truth over shame. Let’s continue to bring these issues out of the shadows—these stories of trauma and healing and resiliency deserve to be heard, and we are here to speak, listen, advocate, and change the culture together.

How will you use your voice? 

Patricia Giggans
Denim Day Founder & Executive Director of Peace Over Violence

If you are in need of help, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline can direct you to a live crisis counselor, (1-800-656-4673).

For local resources in Los Angeles, CA, contact our LA Rape & Battering Hotline at Central Los Angeles, 213-626-3393; South Los Angeles, 310-392-8381; West San Gabriel Valley, 626-793-3385.