Helena Exhibit Highlights the Diverse Experiences of Survivors, Calls to Stop Blaming Victims for Sexual Violence

The Friendship Center presents “what were you wearing?”—an exhibit on view March 25-April 22 featuring 15 outfits recreated from stories shared by real sexual assault survivors.

(HELENA, Mont., Mar. 30, 2026) – In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, The Friendship Center is presenting “what were you wearing?”—an exhibit highlighting the diverse experiences of survivors and the need to end victim-blaming for sexual violence.

On view now through Wednesday, April 22, in the Jailhouse Gallery at The Myrna Loy, the exhibit features 15 outfits recreated from stories shared by real sexual assault survivors. Each outfit in the exhibit represents about 3,000 survivors in the tri-county area. Based on prevalence data, 31,700-45,000 of the 95,000+ residents in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties are likely to have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

One of the questions many survivors of sexual violence are asked when they disclose an assault is, “What were you wearing?” The question implies that clothing choice is an invitation for violence and shifts the blame to victims rather than the perpetrators of assault. The title of the exhibit takes this question to task as a way to challenge preconceptions about sexual assault and rape, while also calling attention to what little choice some survivors had in what they were wearing when they were attacked.

Some examples of outfits featured in “what were you wearing?” are a Marine Corps uniform, a hospital gown, and Spiderman pajamas. Contributors described assaults perpetrated by acquaintances, rape perpetrated repeatedly by current or former intimate partners, and assaults perpetrated by trusted adults in the case of two child survivors.

“What a survivor was wearing at the time of an assault is not relevant,” said Gina Boesdorfer, Executive Director of The Friendship Center. “At the same time, we believe that boldly showing what survivors were wearing can open minds and shift attitudes about what sexual assault looks like.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly half of women and more than one in six men in the United States experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes. In a survey of crime victimization from 2019 to 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice found that the majority (68.5%) of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home or a relative’s home.

Each week until the exhibit closing, The Friendship Center will add anonymous responses submitted through an interactive activity to a clothesline capturing community responses to the outfits and stories presented in “what were you wearing?”

The exhibit also includes information about the scope of sexual violence in the U.S., who experiences it, and where and when sexual assault most commonly occurs.

The Friendship Center will host a closing reception for “what were you wearing?” at 5:30 PM, Tuesday, April 21, at The Myrna Loy. The reception will feature a discussion focused on what everyone can do to show support for survivors and be part of the movement to address the problem of sexual abuse in our community.

There is no admission charge to see the exhibit. Visit thefriendshipcenter.org/wwyw to learn more about “what were you wearing?” and plan your visit. Visitor discretion is advised, as the exhibit contains descriptions of sexual assault, rape, and other forms of abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, contact The Friendship Center anytime at 406.442.6800.

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About The Friendship Center

Founded in 1971, The Friendship Center is the community resource for addressing and preventing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking through advocacy, education, and outreach in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties. Learn more at thefriendshipcenter.org.

Contact:

Kim Patterson, Development Director

406.442.6800

kim.p@thefriendshipcenter.org

About “What were you wearing?”

The “What Were You Wearing?” survivor art installation originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013, with the first display occurring in April 2014. It was created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert to challenge rape myths and victim-blaming, inspired by a 2005 poem of the same name by Dr. Mary Simmerling. It has since been replicated, adapted, and reproduced across the country by universities, organizations, and curators working to end victim-blaming.