On behalf of the University Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson Raimonda Bublienė and the Seimas Commission for the Prevention of Suicide and Violence of the Republic of Lithuania, we invite you this Wednesday (April 29) to join an initiative—come to work, school, and other institutions wearing jeans as a sign of solidarity with victims of sexual violence.
“In this initiative, jeans are not about fashion. They are a clear message that there is no excuse for violence. Violence can occur in the family, the workplace, at school, in the online space, and it can even be found where important municipal and state decisions are made. Therefore, we cannot remain silent about it, treating it as an uncomfortable, non-essential topic that doesn’t affect us personally. It is essential to speak publicly and clearly about this problem, contributing to the prevention of all types of violence and raising public awareness, and to seek effective solutions to reduce sexual violence, so that victims are protected and receive help,” says Modesta Petrauskaitė, Chair of the Seimas Commission for Suicide and Violence Prevention.
We remind you that International Denim Day originated from a controversial 1992 court ruling in Italy, where a man accused of rape was acquitted. The argument was that the victim was herself at fault because she was wearing tight jeans, and that the perpetrator could not have removed them without her help. This court ruling caused immense outrage. The next day, female members of the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans, thus starting a protest against victim-blaming. Since then, jeans have become an international symbol, reminding us that violence can never be justified by how a person looks or what they wear.
“By observing Sexual Assault Prevention Month and International Denim Day, we are sending a message that we stand with the victims and are making every effort at the state level to stop all manifestations of this violence and to create an effective prevention and support system. Changes are already underway. To implement them, strong political will will be required,” says Agnė Bilotaitė, Chair of the Temporary Parliamentary Women’s Group.
“The Denim Day initiative is important not only as a symbol but also as a real way to change attitudes. Change begins with understanding. Therefore, we must talk about violence earlier—in schools, high schools, and communities. It is important that a person is able to recognize boundaries and understand that they are not just a victim of sexual violence. They, and everyone around them, can be part of the change,” states Member of the Seimas M. Petrauskaitė.
The Seimas Commission for Suicide and Violence Prevention invites participating groups—wearing jeans to support those affected by sexual violence—to take photos and send them by email to silvinija.simonaityte@lrs.lt. All participants in the initiative will be awarded with certificates of appreciation, and the most active will receive symbolic gifts.
For more information:
Chair of the Commission for Suicide and Violence Prevention
Modesta Petrauskaitė
Tel. (0 5) 209 6673
