“What Were You Wearing” was born with the intent to give viewers the survivors’ perspective about sexual assault. The Installation aims to shatter the myth that sexual assault was caused by the clothing that a survivor was wearing.
The Installation asks viewers to understand that sexual assault is NEVER about the clothing the survivor was wearing. The sexual assault violates the survivor’s mind, physical being, and emotions; it is not simply woven into the fabric of the survivor’s clothing. The sexual assault is woven into their everyday lives with memories and flashbacks and affects every single thing they do.
Changing your clothes does not end the trauma. What we are required to do is change our mindset as individuals and as a society. Asking a survivor “What were you wearing,” costs the questioner nothing, However, the survivor must pay dearly in not only their answer, but also in the burden of self-blame.
What Were You Wearing?
My prom dress. Don’t know if that needs much more explanation..
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
Jean shirt, jeans and Toms. Everyone seems so confused when I tell them this. Like they can’t understand what I am saying. They can’t understand what I was wearing. It’s almost funny. Almost.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
A t-shirt and jeans. I was totally drunk after my first college party my freshman year. He shouldn’t have taken advantage of me being messed up like he did.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
Army ACU’s and I was carrying a gun. So much for that preventing anything.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
A cute mini dress. I loved it the moment I saw it. I had some killer heels, too. I just wanted to have a good time that night, look cute, and hang with my sisters. He kept getting me shots, over and over again. The next thing I remember is crawling around the floor looking for that stupid dress.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
Red jeggings and a white and red top. I thought I was really cute. I even sent a selfie to my friend. I was so proud of that outfit.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
I was wearing black converse, black skinny jeans, and a tan blouse. We were sitting with friends at a bar. He kept trying to put his hands down the front of my pants. I didn’t know what to do, so I escaped to the bathroom. When I got out, he was waiting for me and pushed me into the men’s room.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
Pajamas. Pajamas when I was 8, 9, and 10. Pajamas when I was 13. Pajamas when I was 17. The dark is my biggest fear to this day.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
It was a night shirt. I had gotten up to get a drink of water and a friend of a friend was crashing on our couch. I play the night over and over in my mind. If I had just gotten a drink form the bathroom sink instead or hadn’t woken him up when I walked through the living room.
– A University Student
What Were You Wearing?
Black dress pants and a white shirt. I was getting ready to go to work, he started being flirty in the bathroom. When I nudged him away and told him I didn’t have time right now, it got out of hand really fast.
– A University Student
