[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING DENIM DAY IN NJ 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the efforts of the 
Young Women's Christian Association, YWCA, of Bergen County Rape Crisis 
Center to designate April 28, 2008 as Denim Day in New Jersey. This 
day-long observance is an important opportunity to raise awareness 
about sexual violence and end the `blame-the-victim' mentality about 
rape that continues to impede justice for those attacked.
  Unfortunately, appalling misconceptions about rape and sexual 
violence still exist and were on full display in the Italian Supreme 
Court decision that launched International Denim Day in 1998. In that 
case, the justices overturned a rape conviction because the woman wore 
jeans. They reasoned that the victim must have helped her attacker 
remove her jeans because they were ``tight,'' thereby implying her 
consent. After the decision, women in the Italian Parliament protested 
by wearing jeans to work the next day.
  Those Italian legislators were right to protest such an awful 
decision and inspired people around the world to speak out against 
similar injustices. We must do everything possible as a community and 
as a Nation of laws to stop rape and sexual assault and help survivors. 
That includes educating young men and women about consent, making clear 
that rape is the responsibility of the offender, not the victim, and 
eliminating the fear of shame and blame that prevents an estimated 9 in 
10 rape victims from reporting an attack.
  Today, on the first annual Denim Day in NJ, I commend the ongoing 
efforts of the YWCA of Bergen County Rape Crisis Center to accomplish 
these goals. I stand united with the YWCA, survivors of sexual assault, 
and their loved ones in observing this important day.

                          ____________________