Oakland County, Michigan, Wednesday, April 23, 2008 -- Clerk Ruth Johnson and the 100-plus employees of the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office who wore blue jeans to work Wednesday were making more than a fashion statement.

All that blue was a strong show of support for HAVEN and their organization's first-ever local observance of Denim Day, designed to raise awareness about sexual violence. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

"Times are hard and I know that even $3 was difficult for some of our employees," said Johnson. "They wanted to show their support of HAVEN and the work they've done for women, children and families in our community for 33 years. All of the money will go to provide a safe environment for victims."

Employees, who paid $3 for the special Denim Day casual day, raised a total of $281 for HAVEN, Johnson said. "The donations were heartfelt - our employees serve the public in so many ways. Their generosity never ceases to amaze me."

Denim Day began in protest to a 1997 Italian sexual assault conviction that was overturned because the victim, a 17-year-old girl who was raped by her 56-year-old driving instructor, was wearing tight jeans at the time of the attack. Enraged, women in the Italian Parliament protested the ruling by gathering on the steps of the Italian Parliament - each wearing blue jeans. Denim Day is now celebrated in California and several other states across the nation to raise awareness.

Johnson said Wednesday's message was clear: "This isn't just a fashion statement, by wearing jeans we will be spreading the message that sexual assault and violence can't be tolerated."

Beth Morrison, HAVEN CEO, said even today it isn't unheard of for victims to be "blamed" for assaults because of what they were wearing.  "What we wear, where we go and what we do is personal choice," Morrison said. "It doesn't give anyone the right to take advantage of anyone else. Those who commit assaults are criminals."

Morrison was thrilled with the participation of the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office and the support of Ruth Johnson to getting Denim Day off the ground this first year. Other companies that participated included Walbridge Construction, Ghafari Associates and some departments at Oakland University.

HAVEN is Oakland County's center for the prevention and treatment of domestic and sexual violence.

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