Governor Mike Dunleavy declared today, April 29, 2026, “Denim Day,” calling all Alaskans to “wear denim for the day to stand united against sexual assault.”
Denim Day originated in 1999 when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a 1992 rape conviction on the grounds that the victim was wearing tight denim pants. The Court ruled that the victim’s wearing of tight jeans indicated that she consented to sex, otherwise (according to the Court), the defendant would not have been able to get the jeans off. The ruling sparked outrage and protests around the world.
In 2008, the Italian Supreme Court rejected what became known as the “denim defense,” and instead ruled that tight clothing does not imply consent or prevent rape.
“We must speak out against victim-blaming and create a culture of respect, equality, and safety,” Dunleavy’s Denim Day proclamation states.
Millions of people around the world participate in Denim Day on the last Wednesday of April every year. It is not just about wearing jeans. It is a day millions of people stand united against sexual violence and promote a culture of consent.
According to the CDC, over 50% of women in the U.S. and approximately one third of men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetime. Almost half of female rape survivors were raped before the age of 18. However, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), only about 25 per 1,000 perpetrators will go to prison.
The official Denim Day website identifies 15 ways to end rape culture:
- Recognize that people neither ask for nor deserve to be abused, harassed, assaulted or raped—ever.
- Support and believe survivors of sexual violence.
- Bring awareness and challenge victim-blaming statements.
- Give constructive input about why comments or jokes that perpetuate rape culture or sexism are not okay.
- Get help or take action by directly intervening when you see someone taking advantage of a person who is not capable of giving consent.
- Consent is mandatory and every sexual interaction you have must be consensual–no excuse. Educate yourself on what it means to get and give consent.
- Build and engage in healthy, respectful relationships.
- Pledge to never commit or condone any acts of violence.
- Think critically about how the media depicts sexuality.
- Take a self-defense class. Your mind, your voice and your body are powerful tools for prevention.
- Teach your children, friends, parents and peers about the myths and realities of sexual assault.
- Donate your time or money to your local rape crisis center.
- Find out what your local K-12 school board’s policy is on anti-rape and violence prevention education and get involved. If it is not proactive, change it!
- Lobby your local, state and federal legislators for funding for anti-sexual assault programs.
- If you witness sexual harassment at the workplace or in public places, expose the behavior. Don’t tolerate it.
There is never an excuse for sexual assault or harassment.
