Hundreds Rally at LA City Hall for 27th Annual Denim Day, Calling for Survivor Justice and Sustained Funding

LOS ANGELES (April 29, 2026) Hundreds of survivors, advocates, elected officials, and community leaders gathered on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall today for the 27th annual Denim Day rally and press conference, sending a powerful message: sexual violence must end, and survivors must be heard, believed, and supported.

Hosted by Peace Over Violence, the event marked Sexual Assault Awareness Month and brought together a broad coalition united in solidarity. Participants wore denim as a symbol of protest against victim-blaming and to honor survivors worldwide, while calling for the restoration and sustained funding of critical survivor services.

This year’s theme, “Use Your Voice,” underscored a global call to action, empowering survivors and allies to speak out, challenge harmful norms, and drive systemic change. Amid renewed national attention on allegations involving high-profile figures, including Cesar Chavez and former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Denim Day reinforces the urgent demand for accountability, justice, and survivor-centered support.

“Denim Day began as a response to injustice, and it continues as a movement fueled by courage and collective action,” said Patti Giggans, founder of Denim Day and CEO of Peace Over Violence. “When we use our voices, whether as survivors, advocates, or allies, we disrupt silence, challenge victim-blaming, and move closer to a world where everyone can live free from violence.”

The rally featured remarks from members of the Los Angeles City Council, survivor advocates, and community organizers. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to protect and expand resources for survivors amid ongoing threats to federal funding.

In Washington, D.C., U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell introduced a House Resolution in recognition of Denim Day, bringing awareness of the importance of believing survivors to the halls of Congress.

Denim Day comes at a time of heightened national attention on sexual violence and accountability, reinforcing the urgency of survivor-centered policies and cultural change. Speakers highlighted that sexual violence remains a widespread public health crisis, with more than half of women and nearly one in three men experiencing some form of sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetimes in the U.S.

Locally, the need is equally pressing. In Los Angeles County alone, thousands of sexual assaults are reported each year, with hundreds of thousands of residents having experienced intimate partner sexual violence.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:

Beyond the rally, Peace Over Violence continues to provide 24/7 support services for survivors, including its confidential hotline and comprehensive advocacy programs, ensuring that no survivor must navigate their healing journey alone.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, resources are available. Survivors can call the Denim Day line at 1-844-DENIM99 to share their stories of hope, resilience and courage. Additional resources include:

Founded by Patti Giggans, Denim Day is now recognized globally on the last Wednesday of April. What began as a response to a landmark court case in Italy that perpetuated harmful myths about sexual assault has grown into an international movement challenging injustice and uplifting survivor voices.