“What were you wearing?” This is an unfortunate question many survivors of sexual violence hear after their assault. The question re-traumatizes and blames victims for the crime perpetrated against them.

What we were wearing at the time of our assault was not an invitation for violence. What we were wearing did not cause the assault; only the perpetrator caused the assault. What we were wearing is irrelevant. By boldly answering the question and showing the world what we were wearing, we have an opportunity to open minds and shift attitudes about what sexual assault looks like.

The Rise “What Were You Wearing?” art exhibit invites the audience to walk amongst rows and rows of outfits worn by sexual assault survivors at the time of their attack. Each of the 103 outfitted mannequins will represent 10 million+ survivors around the world. Viewers will be able to see the diversity of the outfits--in terms of age, gender, culture, and occasion--and read their stories. The exhibit is intended to demonstrate the pervasiveness of the crime of sexual assault, and the many different faces of the survivors among us. The mannequins will travel to different locations around the globe in 2023 and beyond.

If you are a venue interested in hosting Rise's "What Were You Wearing" exhibit please complete the form below. Outfits in the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit are from survivors of sexual assault who are willing to share the outfits they were wearing at the time of the assault. You may send any questions to events@risenow.us.