Oakland County, Michigan, April 22, 2009 -- Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson isn't really a fan of blue jeans in the work place. But on Wednesday, for the second time in her career, she wore a pair to the work to help her office raise money for sexual and domestic violence victims as part of Denim Day.

The first time she wore them to work?  "Last year for Denim Day," Johnson said as she smiled.

All told, Oakland County Clerk & Register employees raised $300 for HAVEN, a shelter for abused and at-risk families in Oakland County. Employees paid $3 for the chance to wear blue jeans to work, though many employees donated much more to the worthy cause. Denim Day is observed during April as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

 "This money will go to help provide a safe environment for victims," said Johnson. "We are very happy to participate again this year because HAVEN has done so much for children, women and families in our community."

Denim Day, observed in several states and internationally, began in protest to a 1997 Italian sexual assault conviction that was overturned because the 17-year-old victim was wearing tight jeans at the time of the attack. Women in the Italian Parliament, angry at the ruling, protested by gathering on the steps of the Parliament, each wearing blue jeans.

"The message we'll be sending is important," said Johnson. "By wearing jeans today, we will help spread the message that this kind of violence won't be tolerated."

"Having the support of Ruth Johnson and the Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds Office is wonderful," said Beth Morrison, CEO and president of HAVEN. "The success of Denim Day is less about wearing denim but more about raising awareness of the crime of sexual assault. Having the support of this great group of citizens is key. I know by their participation, many in our community will walk away with critical and maybe even life saving information."

Morrison said $300 could provide food for four days for the 45 women and children staying at their shelter or as many as seven educational classes in local middle and high schools. HAVEN educators talked with 12,000 students last year alone.

Donations may be sent directly to HAVEN at: Denim Day, Attention Holly Thomas, HAVEN, P.O. Box 431045, Pontiac, MI 48343.

For media inquiries only or to talk with Ruth Johnson, please call the Clerk's Office at (248) 858-0168 or (248) 421-9676.

HAVEN (Help Against Violent Encounters Now) was founded in 1975 in conjunction with the Pontiac YWCA as an all-volunteer crisis line for sexual assault victims.