On Thursday, April 15, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. helped the Women’s Center with their tabling for Denim Day by handing out denim ribbons and informational handouts. Denim Day is centered on a real case and focuses on spreading awareness of sexual assault and victim blaming.

Denim Day began as a protest of the Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a sexual assault conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. It was stated that there must have been help in removing the jeans, thus implying the victim had ultimately consented to their sexual assault. To protest the Italian Supreme Court’s decision, wearing jeans on Denim Day began. In addition to protesting the ruling, it also protects the blaming and shaming of victims of sexual violence through raising awareness.

Within the information provided, victim-blaming language and behavior were included. Examples of this include asking “why” questions to the victim and framing acts of violence around the victim, rather than the perpetrator. Additionally, the table handed out resources both on and off campus. Some resources provided were the UIS Counseling Center, the UIS Women’s Center, Title IX, and the Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault.