After a sexual assault, telling a survivor what to wear or suggesting they need to “cover up” can be harmful. It shifts responsibility onto the victim instead of where it belongs—on the person who committed the harm.
Clothing didn’t cause the assault. Survivors don’t need rules about how to dress to be safe or respected. What they usually need is support that centers:
- safety and autonomy
- emotional validation (being believed and not blamed)
- access to trauma-informed care
- rebuilding a sense of control over their own body and choices
If someone is trying to be helpful, a better approach is focusing on comfort and empowerment, like: “Wear whatever makes you feel safe and like yourself,” rather than implying changes are needed to prevent harm.
