Denim probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the crime of sexual assault, but today at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the fabric is the force behind rape awareness and prevention.
"We're kind of breaking the silence. Teaching people about sexual assault, teaching them about victim blaming which is unfortunately very real," said sexual assault victim and MOCSA Victim Advocate Brandi Mora.
For "Denim Day," multiple UMKC student organizations adorned the university's Quad with various denim fabrics and jeans, many with phrases aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault.
Denim Day is in its 18th year and is a response to a late 90's Italian Supreme Court Decision that overturned a rape conviction. The justices determined that since the 18-year-old victim's jeans were "very very tight," the victim must have helped the assailant pull her pants down, thereby giving consent.
"I think we have a very very long way to go before we really get the understanding out there that it is never under any circumstances the victim's fault," said Mora.
Denim Day protests occur in April because it is sexual assault awareness month.
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