By: Maggie Sharp
One of the many programs on campus for Western’s Sexual Assault Awareness month was the “What Were You Wearing” exhibit.
The inspiration for the installation started back in 2013 with the poem “What I Was Wearing” by Dr. Mary Simmerling. This display, which brought in over a hundred viewers this year, is one that many colleges exhibit.
Western worked with the local YWCA to show a variety of different outfits that people were wearing when they were sexually assaulted. The outfits ranged from prom dresses, sundresses, swimsuits to cargo shorts, children’s pajamas and a t-shirt with jeans.
Adam McGowan, Title IX Coordinator for Western, said the purpose of this exhibit was to discuss what student victims were wearing during their assault. This helps to debunk the idea that clothes provoked assault and instead keep the focus and blame on the assailant rather than the victim.
“There was definitely a good community response outside of campus,” McGowan said. “It was a powerful display. It got people talking, increased conversation and awareness and maybe got people to look back on how they’ve talked about sexual assault survivors.”
YWCA advocate Carrie Turner attended and helped organize the event. She said the purpose of the installation is to disempower the common idea that sexual assault is provoked by provocative outfits and to give support to victims.
“Sexual assault can happen to anyone, in any shape or size,” Turner said. “We want people to know you are not alone, you are believed, and we can help you transition from victim to survivor.”
Freshman Allie Reinkemeyer attended the exhibit and left with a clear understanding of this emotional topic.
“It really shows that ‘she was asking for it’ is the worst mentality you could have,” Reinkemeyer said. “No one asks for it.”
What Were You Wearing is an idea of wanting to show that what a victim was wearing did not have any effect on whether or not the assault took place. This exhibit additionally showed survivors that they were not alone, gave them the courage to speak up and spread awareness about sexual assault.
