Fayette County, Ohio Prosecutor’s Office and Victim Witness Division

05/15/2026

‼️THIS PHOTO INCLUDES FALSE INFO ‼️
The picture of a letter from Governor Dewine has been circulating on many social media platforms the last few days. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE! Ohio has NOT enacted any bill or laws that prohibit “aimless driving.” This is nothing more than a hoax that has gained traction. Please remember that what is seen on the internet is not always accurate. If you ever have a question about newly enacted laws, you can always visit https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/ to find the status of any pending bill or recently enacted law.

04/29/2026

👖Denim Day began as a protest against victim-blaming after an Italian Supreme Court overturned a r**e conviction, and has since become an international symbol of solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.

🇮🇹 Denim Day traces back to 1992 in Italy, when an 18-year-old girl was r**ed by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first driving lesson. He took her to an isolated road, forcibly removed one leg of her jeans, and r**ed her. The victim reported the assault, and the perpetrator was arrested and initially convicted of r**e. Years later, the case reached the Italian Supreme Court, which overturned the conviction, arguing that because the victim wore tight jeans, she must have helped remove them, implying consent. This reasoning became known as the “jeans alibi” and sparked outrage across Italy.

🧑‍⚖️In response to the court’s decision, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work as a visible protest against victim-blaming. Their action highlighted the absurdity of blaming clothing for sexual assault and drew international attention. This act of solidarity inspired activists worldwide to adopt denim as a symbol of protest against myths surrounding sexual violence.

🇺🇸Inspired by the Italian protest, Peace Over Violence, led by Executive Director Patti Giggans, launched the first Denim Day in Los Angeles in April 1999. The campaign encouraged people to wear jeans on the last Wednesday of April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, as a visible statement against victim-blaming and to support survivors of sexual assault. What began as a local event in Los Angeles has since grown into a global movement, with schools, businesses, elected officials, and communities participating annually.

🕊️Denim Day serves as a day of action and awareness, educating the public about sexual violence, challenging harmful myths, and showing solidarity with survivors. Wearing denim is not a fashion statement but a symbolic protest against the misconception that clothing can justify sexual assault. The campaign has become the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education initiative, emphasizing that no one ever asks for or deserves to be assaulted.

🌎Denim Day continues to be observed internationally, reminding communities that clothing is never consent and promoting a culture of respect and support for survivors.

📸Share your denim photos in the comments!

04/28/2026

Don’t forget to wear your denim tomorrow!!

Denim Day 2026 🩵🩵
On April 29th join us in support of denim day. Wear jeans and by doing so you:
🤍Are supporting survivors and their families find hope and healing
🤍Provide opportunities for prevention education
🤍Encourage institutional and societal change
🤍Make a powerful statement without ever saying a word

More information to come regarding the history of denim day.

04/24/2026

As we wrap up we want to remind all Victims of Crime that we are here for them, we support them in their journey to healing and that their voices are always heard in our space. Navigating the process can be scary and daunting, but we are here for you! 💜 We are here to Listen. Act. Advocate.

04/23/2026

🕯️Shine your light 🕯️

For every life lost, there is a light that continues on in those who remember.

This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we invite you to light a candle in honor of yourself or someone you love who has been lost to or impacted by impaired driving.

Head to madd.org/light-a-candle to participate in our candlelight vigil.

04/22/2026

Today, we want to recognize our own, Rachel Martin, as she was recently honored with a Children's Champion Award by The Garden Family Advocacy Center. With this being NCVRW, today we highlight those who work with Child Victims. We are so thankful to have Rachel on our team and we are proud of the work she does for Fayette County!

04/21/2026

Today we are sharing The White House's message for !

This National Crime Victims Week, my Administration reaffirms our unwavering support for every American who has suffered at the hands of violent

04/20/2026

Let's start National Crime Victims' Rights Week off with a little history!

This is the 45th Anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This week was first started by President Ronald Reagan when he saw a need to recognize victims. Shortly after the Office for Victims of Crime was created within the US Department of Justice. One of the most significant events in the history of the victim/survivor profession was the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in 1984.

The goal of NCVRW is to annually publicize and promote the needs, issues and concerns of crime victims and survivors; the many services available to support them in the aftermath of crime; and the challenges that remain to promote individual and community safety across our Nation.

04/17/2026

Next week is National Crime Victims' Rights Week! Our office will be sharing information all week long. Check back throughout next week and join us in Listening. Acting. Advocating!

04/16/2026

Denim Day 2026 🩵🩵
On April 29th join us in support of denim day. Wear jeans and by doing so you:
🤍Are supporting survivors and their families find hope and healing
🤍Provide opportunities for prevention education
🤍Encourage institutional and societal change
🤍Make a powerful statement without ever saying a word

More information to come regarding the history of denim day.

04/09/2026

Understanding the scope of child abuse is the first step toward protecting children and supporting survivors. Every April, Child Abuse Prevention Month offe ...