SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Police Department recently hosted its annual Denim Day commemoration outside its headquarters, joining a global movement to challenge harmful myths about sexual violence. The event aimed to show solidarity with victims and survivors of sexual assault and reject misconceptions about consent.
Denim Day began in 1999 after an Italian court overturned a rape conviction, ruling that the victim’s tight jeans implied consent. This decision sparked global outrage, leading to the establishment of the international campaign.
The commemoration also coincides with April, which is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
San Francisco city officials stood in solidarity with survivors and honored the men and women of the Special Victims Unit. The unit is recognized for its work investigating sexual assault cases and supporting victims through the justice process.
Mayor Lurie, who participated in the event, emphasized the city’s commitment to those affected. “As a city, we have an obligation to help those who have suffered to heal and to move forward,” he said.
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SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on “Denim Day.” (Photo: KRON4)
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also spoke at the event, highlighting the difficult nature of prosecuting sexual assault. Jenkins is the District Attorney of San Francisco.
“I tell people all the time that even despite spending more time in our homicide unit, the most difficult unit I ever worked in was child sexual assault, sexually abused or raped,” Jenkins said. “I often don’t use the word molested because I don’t think it underscores the gravity of what happens to them.”
The San Francisco Police Department stated that the Denim Day event also highlights the city’s ongoing partnership between law enforcement and community organizations. These partnerships work to connect victims with critical services and hold offenders accountable.
Lew, a San Francisco Police Department Official, reiterated the continuous effort required in this area.
“Today on Denim Day, we recognize the fact (that) our work is never done, we’re doubling down our commitment to do everything in our power to stand up and fight for victims to use their voice because we are always listening and always here to help,” Lew said.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.