The “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit is on display this week at Hopkinsville Community College in conjunction with Sanctuary Inc. as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
The silent exhibit challenges a common and harmful question often asked of survivors of sexual violence by presenting recreated outfits based on what individuals were wearing at the time of their assault. The clothing on display ranges from everyday items like jeans and t-shirts to uniforms and other ordinary attire, driving home a central message: clothing is not the cause of sexual assault.
Originally created in 2013 by educators Jen Brockman and Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, the exhibit has been shown across the United States and around the world. Each display pairs clothing with brief, anonymous narratives, offering insight into survivors’ experiences while maintaining their privacy.
The exhibit is intentionally self-guided and presented without narration, allowing visitors to reflect quietly on the stories and the issue of victim-blaming. Organizers say the goal is to shift the focus away from what a person was wearing and toward accountability for perpetrators, while also fostering empathy and understanding.
The installation is part of a larger effort during April to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention of sexual violence.
Trigger Warning:
The following images and content reference sexual assault and may be distressing for some viewers. Please take care while viewing.
