“What Were You Wearing,” an art exhibit that asks participants to understand that it is never about the clothing when sexual violence occurs, will be on display at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from April 12-21.
The display will show recreations of outfits worn during assaults with accompanying stories from sexual violence survivors. Inspired by the poem “What I Was Wearing” by Mary Simmerling, the project intends to shed light on the burden of self-blame brought forth by the question that is pervasive for most survivors and the inability to shed those clothes and the experience.
This is the third year that the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education (CARE) has offered this educational event.
“We are incredibly excited to be offering the “What were you wearing?” experience in person again this year,” said Melissa Wilkerson, a victim advocate with CARE. “2019 was the first year we held this program, and the feedback from students, faculty and staff was overwhelmingly positive. We heard comments like ‘Thank you for including stories of male survivors. Nobody ever talks about that,’ and ‘This is incredibly powerful.’"
The exhibit is free and open to the public. It will be available at the following times:
CITY CAMPUS:
Monday, April 12 & Thursday April 15 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 13 & Wednesday, April 14 — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
EAST CAMPUS:
Monday, April 19 & Thursday April 22 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 20 & Wednesday, April 21 — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Face coverings are required. Individuals must observe physical distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available.