Why We Still Have to Talk About Clothes...
For May, Sexual Violence Prevention Month, DWS will be posting more info about sexual violence, prevention, and consent.
Image Description: Text ‘Why We Still Have to Talk About Clothes… May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month’ on a background of pink northern lights and illustrations of many people.
CLOTHES DON’T CAUSE SEXUAL ASSAULT!
Sorry for yelling… We’re just exhausted with taking on this too common lie about rape…
There is absolutely no evidence that clothes cause sexual assault, in January 2011 a Toronto police officer at a York University safety panel told participants, "I've been told I'm not supposed to say this – however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." His words, and centuries of rape culture, sparked an international movement to end victim blaming: SlutWalk.
Still Don’t Believe Me?
That’s ok. It can take years to unlearn the victim blaming that we’re taught… Here’s some more facts:
Although sexual assault can happen at bars, parties, and concerts, 55% of sexual assaults happen at or near the survivors home. For oppressed folks - women, racialized folks, disabled folks - our homes are the most dangerous places in our lives.
Image created by RAINN
Image description: Infographic with text ‘Breakdown of locations where sexual assault occurs. 55% at or near the victim’s home, 15% in an open public place, 12% at or near a relative’s home, 10% in an enclosed but public area such as a parking lot or garage, 8% on school property. National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE online.rainn.org. Please visit rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem for full citation.
Most survivors are assaulted by someone they know.
Sexual assault is not about sex, sexual attraction, or sexy clothes. Confusing, I know because the word ‘sex’ is in there, but sexual violence is about making someone else feel less than and feeling power over that person.
Image created by SACHA
Image description: Infographic of a pie chat with the title ‘Causes of Sexual Assault’. The pie chart is one circle with 100% pointing to ‘sexual assault perpetrator’ and no pieces of the pie pointing to other options: ‘sexy clothes, flirting, alcohol, going to a bar, walking home alone’. Text at bottom of image ‘SACHA’s 24 Hour Support Line is there for survivors o sexual violence, their supporters, and folks with questions. You are not alone. sacha.ca 24 Hour Support Line 905.525.4162’
If you’re struggling with the clothing myth, you’re not alone. 55% of men and 40% of women believe that women are much more likely to harassed if they are wearing ‘revealing’ clothes.
No One Asks to Be Raped
Still believe that clothes cause sexual assault?
Watch this video created by Rape Crisis Scotland:
Frustrated by rape myths? DWS has got your back 24 hours a day - 867.993.5086.