This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call RAINN’s national sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for confidential support.

MILWAUKEE — Millions of people across the U.S. and the around the world wore jeans with a purpose on Wednesday for Denim Day. It’s meant to be a sign of support for survivors of sexual violence. 

The Denim Campaign began in 1999 after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction. The justices said the victim was wearing tight jeans and the alleged rapist could not have removed them alone, thus implying consent.

What You Need To Know

  • Denim Day is meant to be a sign of support for survivors of sexual violence

  • The Denim Campaign began in 1999 after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction

  • The justices said the victim was wearing tight jeans and the alleged rapist could not have removed them alone, thus implying consent

  • The Wisconsin DHS said about 1.2 million adults in the state have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime

The Wisconsin DHS said about 1.2 million adults in the state have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Data shows about one in three women statewide experience it and one in five adult men.

Denim Day was recognized as part of Youth Victory Over Violence Week at Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy in Milwaukee. 

The school is raising awareness about the different types of violence students may face in their lifetime.

“We’re doing it alongside Demin Day because one of the violence is domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and sexual harassment,” said Destiny Dallas, a teacher and coach at Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy. “I personally am a survivor of sexual harassment, so it’s a very special day to see everyone come together to show their support.”

Dallas said it’s important for her to let her students know they’re not alone.

“We always want them to have a safe space to have,” said Dallas. “Knowing that your trusted adult or trusted staff member at the school and has gone through something similar that you’re going through is going to make it even safer for them to come talk and express their feelings about.” 

Students, including junior Lyrique Jackson, marched to Victory Over Violence Park. Once there, they laid a flower down in honor of those affected by violence. 

“The most important topics are the toughest topics to talk about,” said Jackson. “I feel like my school did a perfect job at showcasing in a way that makes it less uncomfortable and more palatable. I think there can be triggers that can be going on with the amount of stuff we’ve been talking about.” 

That’s why being a mentor and a role model to her students is important for Dallas.

“Our students are facing a lot of adversity and a lot of obstacles in their lives that we have also faced,” said Jackson. “It’s good for them to see us and see that our hardships and struggles don’t form us don’t conform to us don’t make us. We are able to get through them and we are able to offer resources that worked for us and different advice.”

There are several resources for survivors of sexual violence.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is free and confidential and can be accessed 24-7 in Wisconsin. The number is 1-800-656-4673.

The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault can also find survivors to find local resource providers, as can dialing 211 in Wisconsin.