MILWAUKEE — Wednesday, April 26 is Denim Day all across the world, recognizing sexual assault survivors and support services. It's a campaign that has been around for more than two decades, and this year, Milwaukee is recognizing its 12th Denim Day.
Watch live: City of Milwaukee recognizes Denim Day
"Survivors are everywhere. We want to offer love care, concern compassion to each and every one," said De'Shawn Ewing, with Milwaukee's Office of Violence Prevention.
The history of Denim Day
The Denim Day campaign began in 1999 when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, claiming that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove her pants, thereby giving consent.
The day after that ruling, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans, in solidarity with the victim. That one moment, an act of solidarity with a victim, has grown to be an international movement.
Denim Day is the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history.
Recognizing Denim Day in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, jeans decorated with words of encouragement were on display during the an event in honor Denim Day. This year, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, and Fire Chief Aaron Lipski gathered at the Northwest Health Center alongside several community organizations to show their support for survivors.
Members of the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition, Jewish Family Services, and Office of Violence Prevention were also present.
"My message to survivors is it's okay to seek help. You can walk that journey. You can heal," said Patrice McBeath, clinical mental health counselor," said Patrice McBeath.
McBeath is a clinical mental health counselor who works with survivors at Jewish Family Services and the Sojourner Family Peace Center. McBeath says she has seen a growing number of patients in recent years.
"I stay motivated because I love seeing the light come on for survivors. For them to realize that they matter. For them to realize that life doesn't stop after this event, that they matter," McBeath said.
Cynthia Jones attended Denim Day as a survivor and a someone who can help others. Jones started Devine Women's Foundation Inc. to be the resource that she did not have.
"Because I want the next generation not to go through what we went through. I want them to know there's help," Jones said.
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