What were you wearing?
This question has been asked of many survivors of sexual assault. All week, Kent State University at Trumbull is displaying its own "What were you wearing?" exhibit in its Lower Commons.
The exhibit, which started in 2014 at the University of Arkansas, was inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling’s poem, “What Was I Wearing?” Similar exhibits are housed each year all over the United States and in other countries.
"A lot of people don't realize how insignificant clothing choice or age is when a sexual assault happens," Kaitlyn Bier, Victimology student said. "Seeing the clothes in person really opens your eyes."
The display features clothing similarly worn by sexual survivors who testified at trial about the clothing they were wearing at the time of the sexual assault.
"The exhibit serves to remind us that clothing is not an invitation, a justification or consent for sexual violence, said Mary Wilson, associate professor, Criminology & Justice Studies. "Viewing the survivors clothing allows us to challenge our beliefs about sexual violence and reject stereotypes and myths about who can be victimized."
The display, which is sponsored by Trumbull Campus Diversity in Action Council and Trumbull Campus Green Dot, lasts through Thursday, April 25.