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SRES 698

A resolution recognizing April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day" and honoring survivors of sexual assault.

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin

Designates April 29, 2026 as Denim Day to raise awareness of sexual assault, support survivors with trauma-informed services, and condemn victim-blaming.

Submitted in Senate
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Bill Summary · SRES 698

Summary of S. Res. 698 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Title

Recognizing April 29, 2026, as “Denim Day” and honoring survivors of sexual assault.

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution designates April 29, 2026, as Denim Day and affirms the goals and ideals of Denim Day to raise awareness about sexual assault, combat victim-blaming, and support survivors.
  • It expresses solidarity with survivors and their families and calls for trauma-informed, survivor-centered support across federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments.
  • The resolution emphasizes the right of all individuals to live free from violence, harassment, and abuse, and reaffirms that clothing, appearance, or behavior never constitutes consent.

Key Provisions and Changes (Substantive Content)

  • Recognition:
    • The Senate recognizes April 29, 2026, as Denim Day.
  • Honoring Survivors:
    • Honors the strength, resilience, and courage of sexual assault survivors.
    • Affirms the right of survivors to access comprehensive services (medical, mental health, legal, advocacy) in a trauma‑informed, culturally competent manner.
  • Policy and Practice Principles:
    • Condemns victim-blaming and reiterates that victim’s clothing or behavior does not imply consent.
    • Supports improvements in the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual assault cases with survivor-centered approaches throughout the justice process.
  • Equity and Access:
    • Addresses disparities in sexual violence affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations, including teenagers, children, women of color, Indigenous communities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2+ individuals.
  • Government and Community Action:
    • Encourages Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to strengthen policies, funding, and programs to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
    • Urges ongoing collaboration among policymakers, advocacy organizations, law enforcement, and communities to end sexual violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Formal recognition and awareness activities across government agencies and communities.
  • Policies, funding, and programs related to sexual violence prevention, survivor services, and the criminal justice response at multiple government levels.
  • Public messaging around consent, victim-blaming, and survivor support.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Action: Referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on April 29, 2026.
  • Status: A Senate resolution; does not itself create new law but adopts a formal expression of recognition and policy guidance.
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Senator Tammy Baldwin (co-sponsor listed in text).
  • Relevance: Aligns with Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities and national efforts to address sexual violence and support survivors.

Context and Rationale

  • Denim Day originated after a 1998 Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction due to the victim’s clothing, sparking advocacy and the subsequent Denim Day movement.
  • Denim Day has grown into a national/international effort led by Peace Over Violence to challenge myths about sexual violence and to promote survivor-centered services.

If you’d like, I can add a concise one-paragraph briefing for policymakers or a side-by-side comparison with prior Denim Day proclamations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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