Unraveling the Truth Behind Belgium’s “What Were You Wearing?” Exhibition
The “What Were You Wearing?” exhibition in Belgium is a powerful statement against victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence. Inspired by a project that originated in the U.S., the exhibition showcases the clothing worn by sexual assault survivors at the time of their attacks. This exhibit challenges harmful misconceptions that what someone wears can influence the likelihood of assault, providing a stark visual of how sexual violence is never the fault of the survivor, no matter their clothing.
Understanding the Exhibition’s Impact on Victim-Blaming Myths
The What Were You Wearing? exhibition has made a significant impact in Belgium, with installations held in places like the Brussels Parliament. The outfits on display range from everyday clothing like jeans and t-shirts to more formal or casual attire, such as professional suits or even pyjamas. This powerful collection emphasises that clothing choices do not provoke sexual assault. It reminds the public that…
Sexual violence is an act of power, not a consequence of what someone wears!
Debunking the Myth
There is No Correlation Between Clothing and Sexual Assault
One of the most persistent myths about sexual violence is that a survivor’s attire somehow invites or causes an assault. However, research shows there is no connection between a person’s clothing and sexual violence.
A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that “clothing should not be used as a risk reduction strategy by women and girls.” Perpetrators do not choose their targets based on clothing. Instead, sexual violence is about control, power, and opportunity.
Source: Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2018
A report from the Dawson Women’s Shelter found that a shocking 55% of men and 40% of women believed that wearing “revealing” clothes increases the likelihood of harassment or assault. This belief fosters the misconception that survivors are at fault for the violence inflicted on them.
Source: Dawson Women’s Shelter, 2023
What does the data say?
Several key statistics help debunk the myths about clothing and sexual violence:
1.
In Belgium, over 50% of sexual assault survivors were wearing modest or everyday clothing, such as jeans, t-shirts, or work uniforms, at the time of the assault.
Source: ZSG – Belgium Sexual Violence Data, 2018
2.
A study from the UK Rape Crisis Center shows that more than 70% of survivors were in “non-provocative” clothing, including jeans and simple attire.
Source: Rape Crisis UK , n.d
3.
According to the United Nations, sexual violence is primarily about power and control, and it is not determined by what the survivor is wearing at the time.
Source: United Nations, 2022
4.
Research from the US Department of Justice confirms that sexual violence occurs across all settings, regardless of how the victim is dressed.
Source: US Department of Justice, 2023
Why Challenging Victim-Blaming Matters
Victim-blaming is harmful and often silences survivors. When people focus on what the survivor was wearing, they ignore the root cause of the assault—the perpetrator’s behavior.
The “What Were You Wearing?” exhibition directly challenges this narrative, offering a powerful visual counterpoint to the idea that victims contribute to their own victimization.
By focusing on the clothing of survivors, society distracts from the real issue: perpetrators are responsible for their actions, regardless of what the survivor is wearing.
Shifting the Conversation
Supporting Survivors, Not Blaming Them
It’s crucial for society to move away from harmful stereotypes that tie clothing to the likelihood of being assaulted. The What Were You Wearing? exhibition highlights that clothing doesn’t influence sexual violence—it’s about the actions of the perpetrator.
We need to continue shifting the narrative toward supporting survivors, focusing on prevention, and ensuring that those who experience sexual violence are treated with the dignity and care they deserve, regardless of what they wore.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Moving Towards an Empathetic Society
By supporting educational initiatives like the “What Were You Wearing?” exhibition and challenging harmful myths about sexual violence, we can work together to create a safer and more supportive society for everyone. Let’s stop asking survivors what they were wearing and start asking how we can prevent sexual violence and provide better resources for those who need it.
Statistics to Remember:
Over 50% of sexual assault survivors in Belgium were wearing modest or everyday clothing, such as jeans, t-shirts, or work uniforms at the time of the assault.
More than 70% of survivors were in “non-provocative” clothing, including jeans and simple attire.
55% of men and 40% of women believe that “revealing” clothing increases the likelihood of assault—highlighting the persistence of harmful victim-blaming myths.
Perpetrators do not choose their targets based on clothing—sexual violence is about power, control, and opportunity.
Sexual violence happens in all settings, irrespective of the victim’s attire.
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