OU Zanesville exhibit shows sexual violence victims’ stories

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – An exhibit is on display at the Ohio University Zanesville Campus Library.

Director of Marketing and Communications for OUZ Holly Voltz says the exhibit, “What Were You Wearing’ answers a question many sexual violence survivors are asked.

“It started in Arkansas a few years ago as an exhibit and it really tries to challenge the “What you were wearing,” type of myth or ridicule that survivors may face. So it’s very interesting to come through this exhibit, which was made possible by the survivors having discussions about what you were wearing at the time of the attack and it’s really interesting to see what the different outfits are and what the stories are to really showcase that it’s an attack, a violent attack. It’s not something you were wearing. “

Survivors include women, men and children. Voltz says the exhibit can be triggering to some people.

“I think you need to be aware that it’s a very sensitive nature. It’s something that could trigger — if you have family members or yourself have been a victim, to be aware of that. We do have wonderful support materials here and individuals that you can contact if you’d like to but, you know, be prepared as you walk through it’s telling the stories of victims that have went through something, you know, really emotional, really terrible in their lives. “

The exhibit will run until March 23rd and is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.