From a humble beginning in Kansas in 2014 through two visionary advocates, across six continents in 8 years, to the UN in 2022, at schools, non-profits, military bases, and community centers across the globe, to California at EVAWI 2025, we continue this important work each and every day. No space is too small, and no story will be left behind. Join us in 2026 at the Conference in Crimes Agsinst Women in May and at the Michigan Justice for Children Conference in July.
Initially developed by Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert and Jen Brockman, the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibits were inspired by Mary Simmerling's 2005 poem "What I Was Wearing." The exhibits aim to challenge the widespread misconception that clothing is a factor in sexual assault and to support survivors by emphasizing that they are not to blame for the violence they were subjected to at the hands of perpetrators.
Through the exhibits, survivors can come together in community to contribute their own stories and representations of the clothing they were wearing when they were assaulted. Like the poem, the exhibits seek to upend victim-blaming myths and raise awareness of the far-reaching and long-lasting impacts of sexual violence and the healing powers of empowering survivors to reclaim our own stories.
As part of the 2025 End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Forging New Pathways, Write Where We Belong hosted an exhibit and installation of "What Were You Wearing?" This virtual exhibit is adapted from that in person exhibit. View the virtual exhibit here.
