Cowley College to Host “What Were You Wearing?” Exhibit for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Cowley College will host its annual “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, providing a powerful and educational experience designed to challenge misconceptions about sexual assault and support survivors. The exhibit will be open to students, faculty, staff, and community members April 6 – April 10 in the Wright Room.

The exhibit confronts a common and harmful question often directed at survivors of sexual assault by displaying recreated outfits based on real survivor stories. The goal is to demonstrate that clothing does not cause sexual assault and to highlight the importance of shifting blame away from survivors and toward perpetrators.

According to national data from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), more than 2 out of 3 sexual assaults in the United States go unreported to law enforcement. Survivors often cite fear of retaliation, belief that the police could not help, or concern that they would not be believed as reasons for not reporting. Educational exhibits like “What Were You Wearing?” help combat stigma, encourage conversations about consent and support, and provide survivors with access to resources.

The exhibit will be open during the following hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Representatives from the Wichita Sexual Assault Center and Four County Mental Health Center will be present throughout the week to provide information, resources, and support to anyone who may need assistance.

Cowley College invites all students, employees, and community members to attend this important and thought-provoking event. By bringing awareness to the realities of sexual assault and connecting individuals with valuable resources, the college hopes to encourage education, support survivors, and foster meaningful conversations across campus and the community.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu