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Wednesday was ‘Denim Day’ in fight against sexual assault

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City of Palmdale employees wore denim on Wednesday in support of the 17th annual Denim Day, a cause to raise awareness about sexual assault and to show support for survivors. The campaign was presented by Peace Over Violence, a non-profit agency designed to educate the public about rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.

“The city of Palmdale is proud to support causes like this that have a positive impact on people’s lives,” said Patricia Nevarez, Palmdale human resources manager. “We support and participate in events such as Daffodil Days, the AV Heartwalk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, as well as hosting blood drives to help raise awareness about important issues.”

Peace Over Violence has for 17 years conducted Denim Day on Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The campaign was triggered originally by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her trousers, thereby implying consent. The next day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. The case attracted worldwide media attention and since then wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against so-called erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Peace Over Violence was established in 1971 by pioneering feminist activists and also brings attention to stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention services headquartered in Los Angeles and is dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence.

For more details about Peace Over Violence, call (310) 392-8381 or visit www.peaceoverviolence.org

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