Since an Italian court ruled in 1999 it was impossible for women wearing jeans to be raped because they would be too difficult for an assailant to remove without her help, jeans have become a symbol of sexual assault awareness and prevention.

From the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault is conducting a series of community outreach events whose aim is to educate the public about sexual assault prevention. Events are as follows:

5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1

Kickoff Event, “I will not be silent: ‘kNOw MORE,’” at University Square, 2000 K Street.

From 5 to 6 p.m., the public is invited to bring a pair of jeans to decorate with fabric paint, ribbons, beads and sequins, as a sign of solidarity with rape victims, who are often stigmatized. In 1999, an Italian court ruling that came to be known as the “denim defense,” or the “jeans alibi,” stated that an 18-year-old driving student who accused her 45-year-old instructor of rape couldn’t have been assaulted because she was wearing jeans, and it would have been too difficult for the man to take them off without her help. Since then, rape victims’ advocates have used jeans as a reminder that society still has a long way to go in ensuring the fair and non-judgmental treatment of sexual assault survivors.

At 6 p.m., a ceremony will take place to honor local nurses, prosecutors, volunteers, and others who, together with the Alliance, work to assist victims and prevent sexual assault in Kern County. Keynote speakers will be Judi McCarthy, Chairwoman of the Kern Community Foundation, and Lisa Green, Kern County Chief Deputy District Attorney and a champion for women and child victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 10

“Sexual Assault Awareness at the Movies,” at the Maya Cinema Complex, 1000 California Ave. (corner with P Street).

Anyone catching a movie at the Maya Cinemas will be able to visit the Alliance outreach table in the theater lobby and pick up information about sexual assault and the services the Alliance provides, or to make a cash or check donation to the Alliance. An on-screen ad featuring contact information for the Alliance will also be playing between films on all 16 screens at the Maya from April 3 to 30, in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 16

“White Ribbon Day,” at the parking lot of the Alliance, 1921 19^th St., downtown.

Law enforcement officers from the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County Probation Department, and Kern Valley, North Kern and Wasco state prisons will be recognized for their efforts in combating sexual assault and raising awareness about sexual assault prevention and victims’ rights in the community. White ribbons will be tied to law enforcement vehicle antennas in remembrance of all victims of crime.

6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 21

“Self Defense Class,” at the Conference Room of the Alliance, 1921 19^th St., downtown.

A local martial arts instructor will teach sexual-assault-prevention and self-defense techniques ranging from trusting one’s instincts and practicing awareness of one’s surroundings in potentially dangerous situations to physical maneuvers for freeing oneself from an assailant to using the items in one’s purse or pockets to defend oneself during an attack. To register, call (661) 322-0931. Class are free of charge and offered in English and Spanish.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 22

“‘Why Denim?’ Day,” at the parking lot of the Alliance, 1921 19^th St., downtown.

From 10 to 11 a.m., a Bakersfield Police lieutenant, a Kern Medical Center Sexual Assault Response Team nurse, and the Chair of the Cal State Bakersfield Counseling Department will talk about sexual assault awareness and prevention, as well as services available to victims.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public is invited to stop by while wearing a pair of jeans or bringing a pair of jeans to paint as a sign of solidarity with sexual assault victims. Since 1999, when an Italian court ruled that it was not possible for a woman wearing jeans to be raped because jeans would be too difficult for an assailant to remove without her help, rape victims’ advocates have used jeans as a reminder that society often re-victimizes sexual assault victims through blame and disbelief.

How to get involved beyond Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault is committed to stopping domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. For over 21 years the organization has assisted those who have suffered from these crimes to reclaim their lives.

Some of their services include 24-hour hotline and hospital accompaniment programs, shelter for battered women and their children, counseling services for victims and their families, and prevention and education programs for youth, the general public and the professionals who come in contact with victims of these crimes.

The Alliance needs the help of volunteers in order to continue providing these services for the community. Whether you want to help victims, work at the reception desk, perform maintenence and repair tasks, or help to raise dollars, we have a volunteer job for you.

Please note, before working with clients, volunteers must first complete an intensive training course. Alliance offers this course three times a year.

To learn more about the Alliance’s volunteer opportunities and trainings, visit www.kernalliance.org or call 661-322-0931.