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But on Wednesday, she wore her favorite pair in support of Denim Day, a national event held to increase awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault and rape.
“It’s hard to be a girl, knowing you can’t protect yourself from everyone,” Gomez, 17, said. “It shouldn’t happen, there’s no reason for it. It’s about power and your being on top of someone; that you are better than someone.”
Zonta Club of Santa Clarita coordinated Denim Day locally. The event originated from a 1992 Italian court case in which an accused rapist escaped conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. Judges ruled the victim must have consented to the sexual encounter because her jeans were tight, and therefore she must have helped her assailant to remove them.
Golden Valley High School students handed out free bookmarkers explaining the court case to their peers. Students could also spend 25 cents to buy a blue flier with a pair of jeans on it in support of the day.
Posters were tacked up around the school, and a television feature was created and shown to all of the students during third period.
Activities Director Laura Beers-Dannerth said at least 100 fliers were sold for Denim Day and displayed in the student store. Sales will continue through Friday.
Dannerth said when she learned about the origin of Denim Day, she was outraged.
“People must know about this court case,” Beers-Dannerth said.
Senior Sarah Schuerger, 17, said the court case didn’t seem fair to her.
“It is important for women to realize that violence against women exists,” Schuerger said. “It is important for men to know that, too.”
