A UNBC graduate is trying to debunk the common misconception that sexual assault occurs because of what someone is wearing.
Fizza Rashid was inspired to create the Rape Myths Clothesline, made up of six outfits submitted by local women, after seeing a similar one in the United Kingdom.
“I hadn’t really seen anything like it before,” said Rashid, “It was really impactful when I saw it.”
The feedback has been positive and Rashid says the display motivated other women to share their stories as well.
“I hope that this will make people reevaluate this narrative around victim-blaming, and rape myths, as well as our justice system and how it operates,” she said.
She argues rape myths shift the blame from the perpetrator to victim, and are often the reason why people are hesitant to come forward.
When Rashid was putting the display together, she was struck by how worried the women were about burdening their loved ones with the information.
“There’s this whole concept of women carrying honour in their families, and that if this were to happen to them it would be something shameful, even though it wasn’t their fault.”
Stats Canada says about 30,000 sexual assaults were reported in 2019, but according to the organization, that number is just a fraction of the real total.
There are many reasons for underreporting, including shame or fear of retraumatization, says Rashid.
“There’s a difference between actually reporting an assault, and just disclosing it to someone,” she explained.
Many survivors also feel like they will not be taken seriously if they come forward, she added.
“In the justice system when people ask you to describe your story, it’s not something that you do just one time. It’s something that the opposing party will get you to do repeatedly.”
The clothesline is currently up for viewing at the Northern Women’s Centre until the end of next week.
The project will continue in the years to come, says Rashid, because of the sheer amount of submissions since it was first unveiled.
“The women who shared their stories were so brave to do so. I’m not surprised that people wanted to come forward, because it gives a sense of comfort.”
“It’s like, ‘Other people have come forward too, maybe I should share my story.'”