Recognizing National Denim Day
National Denim Day is recognized on a Wednesday in April every year to raise awareness of rape and sexual assault. This year, people are encouraged to wear jeans on April 29.
The nonprofit Peace Over Violence organized the first Denim Day 22 years ago in honor of an 18-yearold woman who was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the rape conviction, and the judge said it was because “the victim wore very, very tight jeans.” After the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity with the victim.
This year, for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Bloomfield Hills clothing store Rear Ends is hosting a clothing drive for Sanctum House, a home for women who have been human trafficked.
The Royal Oak based organization is a voluntary residential 24-month program for women 18 years old and up – providing a therapeutic, safe and secure environment for residents along with health care, dental care, education and more.
For more information about Sanctum House, visit sanctumhouse.org.
Visit the Rear Ends store from April 23 through May 1 to drop off gently used and new clothing to be donated to Sanctum House. Rear Ends is located at 6606 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills.
As a thank you to those who donate, Rear Ends owner Ariana Carps is giving gift certificates to customers, valid from May 17 through 29 on full priced merchandise. Customers who donate two items will receive a $25 gift certificate, $30 for three items, $40 for four and $50 for five.
For more information about Rear Ends, visit www.shoprearends.com.