Wave Staff Report
WEST HOLLYWOOD — Members of the City Council and other city employees joined communities around the world to recognize Denim Day April 26 by wearing jeans to work.
Denim Day is internationally recognized on the last Wednesday of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, following a 1999 court ruling in Italy in which a rape conviction case was overturned with the argument that, because the victim had been wearing tight jeans at the time of the assault, that she must have been expressing consent.
Each year, the city and its public safety partners recognize Denim Day to unite against sexual assault, to break the silence about sexual violence, and to stand up in support of survivors.
The city’s Public Safety website area provides personal safety tips for nightlife safety and sexual assault prevention and resources. If you or someone you care about has been a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence or intimate partner stalking, there are resources to help.
The Los Angeles County Rape and Battering Hotline, Peace Over Violence, a confidential non-judgmental resource where emotional support, advocacy, information, and referrals are available, can be reached 24-hours-a-day at 213-626-3393 or 310-392-8381.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s STOP Violence Program works to increase access to mental health and supportive services for LGBT survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and intimate partner abuse at 323-860-5806.
The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network organizes the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline, a referral service that can put people in contact with their local rape crisis center. The hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 800-656-4673.
