By MALEAH GRIFFIN
Tiger Media Network
Editor’s note: The following contains sensitive content regarding sexual assault.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The What Were You Wearing survivor art installation is on display in the Taylor Gallery until today. Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and Jana’s Campaign partner each year, putting up the exhibition to dispel the myth that the clothes a person was wearing when sexually assaulted influenced that crime.
The exhibit contains a number of recreated outfits, including children’s clothing, work clothes, swimsuits, pajamas and athletic wear.
“The idea that anyone ‘asked’ for it is absurd,” said Anniston Weber, community engagement and sexual violence response coordinator with Options.
The ages range from university students to young children. The women, girls and boys of the stories were victimized by strangers, friends or family members.
A member of Options, Jana’s Campaign or a volunteer stays available throughout the duration of the open exhibit.
“We want to make sure there is an advocate or somebody that can get you in contact with an advocate, always present and available,” Weber said. “This material is, and can be, very triggering.”
Free Options information and items. 
An outfit for a canoe and camping trip. 
Exhibit poster. 
A volunteer helps cover the exhibit to ensure someone’s available during all hours of the exhibit. 
An outfit that started as confidence and self-love. 
Installation information. 
Jana’s Campaign poster. 
Anniston Weber, the community engagement and sexual violence response coordinator with Options, sits at a table outside the exhibit. 
An outfit for a night-out with sisters. 
Exhibition displays of student survivor outfit recreations. 
Exhibition displays of student survivor outfit recreations. 
Options handouts explaining their mission or help opportunities. 
Pajamas for bedtime.
What Were You Wearing installations have appeared at many colleges in the U.S., originating with Mary Wyandt-Hiebert and Jen Brockman. They developed the concept and collected descriptions and stories from survivors, hosting the first event at the University of Arkansas in 2014. The project was inspired by the poem “What I Was Wearing” written by Mary Simmerling.
The survivor art installation serves as a voice for those who can’t speak — a visual display to leave an impact on anyone who views it. It asks participants to understand it was never about the clothing, and throwing out those clothes is never enough to bring peace or comfort to survivors.
While the exhibit is focused on sexual assault, Options also helps with domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. An advocate can be reached at (800) 794-4624, or by texting HOPE to 847411.
Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization that prioritizes gender and relationship violence.