How One College Student Is Changing the Way We See Sexual Assault | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How One College Student Is Changing the Way We See Sexual Assault

Arcadia University student looks to smash stereotypes.

15
How One College Student Is Changing the Way We See Sexual Assault
KATHERINE CAMBARERI

"Well, what were you wearing?"

It's an offensive question that, unfortunately, rape victims everywhere still have to answer after their assault. However, one college student is looking to radically change the way we think about sexual assault and how we treat it's victims.

For her thesis project at Arcadia University, photography major Katherine Cambareri decided to challenge the idea that revealing clothing promotes sexual assault. Her project, "Well, What Were You Wearing?" takes the stereotype and turns it on it's head. Cambareri put out a call on Facebook to anyone who had experienced an attack in the past, and wanted to share a pieces of their story with the world. The photo series, which currently showcases 15 outfits, was created from pieces of clothing that survivors were wearing at the time of their attacks. The pieces range from a simple white t-shirt to a colorful flower necklace. Some photos from the series can be seen below:



On her website, Cambareri explained some of her motives behind the creation of the series.

"I decided to document," Cambareri said, "what victims wore at the time they were assaulted to show that there is no type of clothing that causes assaults to occur. There is no size. There is no body type."

In an interview with Break the Cycle, the artist explained her connection with the volunteers fueled her desire to accurately represent each of their stories through her work: "They're trusting me," she noted, "to use their clothing in a positive way. Everyone that's participated so far has been an acquaintance of mine and that goes to show what a large problem this is. As a person, it makes me realize that so much needs to be done in terms of prevention; we need to stop stereotyping and surrounding sexual assault with so many stigmas."

Cambareri also wants to continue debunking sexual assault myths after her graduation, and hopes that the photo series will make viewers feel "uncomfortable." She hopes to continue the project after leaving Arcadia University, and wishes to continue smashing the question of what sexual assault survivors were wearing. To see more of her work, the complete project can be viewed on her website.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline operated by RAINN. For more resources, visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's website.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190649
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15135
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458028
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26715
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments