NACOGDOCHES, TX (March 27, 2025) – In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas is proud to present impactful exhibits, themed “What Were You Wearing?” The exhibits, designed to challenge the pervasive myth that clothing plays a role in sexual assault, will be open to the public from April 1st to April 30th in various buildings throughout SFA’s campus. The locations are as follows: Ferguson Building, Health and Wellness Hub, the Library, McKibbon Building, the Recreation Center, STEM Building and the Student Center.
The “What Were You Wearing?” exhibits feature recreations of outfits based on real-life stories of sexual assault survivors, accompanied by their narratives. These ordinary garments — including jeans, pajamas, school uniforms, and work clothes — highlight the often-overlooked truth: what a person wears is never the cause of sexual violence. The exhibits serve as a powerful reminder that responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, not the victim.
“Too often, survivors of sexual assault are asked what they were wearing — as if their clothes could have somehow invited the crime,” said Whitney Burran, Executive Director. “These exhibits aim to dismantle that harmful narrative. It’s time to stop victim-blaming and stand with survivors.”
The exhibits are part of advocates’ broader efforts to raise awareness about sexual violence, offer support to survivors, and educate the community on the importance of consent, respect, and empowerment. Visitors have the opportunity to reflect on the stories presented and access educational materials about sexual violence and survivor support resources. All stories that are presented throughout the exhibits were obtained from the Dove Center.
About Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM): Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is recognized nationally in April to bring attention to the prevalence of sexual violence and promote prevention through education, awareness, and community action. This year’s theme, “What Were You Wearing?” challenges the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and works to shift the focus to support for survivors and accountability for perpetrators.
How You Can Help:
Attend the “What Were You Wearing?” exhibits.
Share information about sexual assault prevention and support services with your networks.
Support the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas through donations or volunteer opportunities to aid survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
For more information about the exhibits, media inquiries, or how to support survivors of sexual assault, please contact:
Melissa Wheeler
mwheeler@fccet.com
(936) 676-9536
Boilerplate
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas (FCCET) is a non-profit organization that empowers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services. The FCCET also engages the community through education to build awareness and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault.
Since 1979, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas (Women’s Shelter of East Texas, Inc.) staffs a full array of professionals specializing in assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. These services included emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, access to food and clothing, information and referrals, legal and personal advocacy, child advocacy, self-sufficiency advocacy, counseling, support groups, transitional housing, prevention services, Battering Intervention & Prevention Program and more.