 25 years ago in Rome, Italy, a 45-year-old male driving instructor was convicted and sentenced for the rape of an 18-year-old female. His conviction, though, was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court three years later because of victim-war tight jeans. According to the Supreme Court, those tight-fitted jeans must have needed assistance in the removal process. Thus, the victim had to have helped the alleged rapist take them off. Because of that, it was no longer deemed of rape, but instead consensual. The ruling sparked widespread protests, including women in the Italian Parliament wearing jeans and a show of solidarity. In another sign of support, the California State Assembly also chose the same attire, and subsequently created Denim Day in an effort to end sexual violence. April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Awareness is hand-to-hand with prevention activities, of being aware of your surroundings, being aware of what could happen, and also to be aware that there are individuals and advocates out there to be able to help you, if you are or you become a victim of sexual assault. The 2017 Denim Day on the West Steps of the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento again had a large signature board as the backdrop, where legislators and the public alike signed as a pledge to end sexual violence. Last year, more than 32,000 survivors of sexual violence received crisis intervention services. Through its Victim Services Grant Division, Cal OES provides funding to programs serving victims of sexual assault, as well as domestic violence and child abuse. The sexual assault programs are designed to address sexual violence through a variety of efforts, including educational training, rape crisis centers, and training of forensic medical personnel. Cal OES funds 84 rape crisis centers and other CBOs to provide advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. We provide federal and state funds for personnel and for training across California. To learn more about Cal OES grants management, visit caloes.ca.gov. For more on Denim Day, go to denimdayinfo.org and find more stories, videos and photos about Denim Day and other topics on our blog at oesnews.com.