Sexual Violence Awareness Month: Denim Day Annual March April 30th 2025

April 28th, 2025 By (the)MAGAZINE

EVENT: DENIM DAY NYC MARCH / APRIL30TH / 9am-1pm/ BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL

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Footage courtesy of (the)MAGAZINE

The Denim Day NYC March over the Brooklyn Bridge is a powerful annual event held on the last Wednesday of April as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Denim Day originated in 1999 when an Italian court overturned a rape conviction, citing the victim's tight jeans as a reason for the acquittal, not as a form of consent. Survivors, advocates, city officials, and community members march against sexual violence organized by the DDNYC Coalition and the NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV).

The BK Style Foundation hosts a denim-themed fashion show at Brooklyn Borough Hall, contributing to raising awareness and challenging misconceptions about consent, adding an artistic touch. Fashion advocacy and awareness are highlighted in this showcase of models and designers wearing creative denim. The fashion show acts as a prelude to the march, actively challenging the misconception that clothing implies consent by emphasizing the importance of understanding consent and debunking harmful myths.

Reaching the 25-year milestone of Denim Day NYC is more than a celebration—it's a powerful reminder of the enduring fight against sexual violence and the collective strength of survivors, advocates, and allies. For a quarter-century, Denim Day has served as a global call to challenge harmful myths about consent, dismantle victim-blaming, and foster a culture of accountability and support.

Roxanne Guiney interviewed NYC Mayor's Office to ENDGBV Acting Deputy Commissioner of Community Initiatives and External Affairs Tesa Arozqueta and Safe Horizon Policy Director Jimmy Meagher's for the anniversary in our last print publication. The annual march and the one-off courtroom fashion show celebrated the milestone by reaffirming the commitment to supporting survivors, dispelling sexual assault myths, and challenging misconceptions about consent. The campaign's message is clear: rape is never justified.

A 2019 study published in Violence Against Women found that belief in rape myths (like "they were asking for it") correlates with reduced support for victims and increased tolerance of perpetrators. On the other hand, public awareness campaigns that directly challenge those myths—such as Denim Day—have been shown to increase empathy toward survivors and promote a culture of consent and accountability.

Rape is not caused by clothing, behavior, or misunderstanding—it's caused by a choice to disregard consent. When we reject all justifications for sexual violence, we take a critical step toward preventing it and creating a safer, more just society for everyone."

The opening ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall showcases the presence of city leaders, school groups, and survivors, highlighting a diverse representation of individuals committed to addressing sexual violence. The closing ceremony at Foley Square in Manhattan features powerful speeches from activists and survivors, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence, supporting victims, and advocating for justice and change. Together, they unite in solidarity to demand justice and change.

@denimdaynyc

@bkstylefoundation