This quilt was created to symbolize the confronting and painful question, "What were you wearing when you were raped?" After extensive research, conversations with other survivors, and reflecting on my own experiences, I incorporated four key elements into this piece: the quilt itself, the rope, the clothing, and the color palette. Each of these elements represents a facet of the emotional journey of being raped, capturing the profound and complex feelings involved.

The quilt, with its intricate patterns and textures, serves as a metaphor for the many layers of trauma and resilience. The rope symbolizes the entanglement of emotions and the sense of being constrained by the past. The clothing items, many of which were worn during acts of rape, poignantly reflect the cruel and misplaced scrutiny often placed on victims, encapsulating the harsh reality of how such intimate details are unfairly used to judge them. The colors chosen convey the spectrum of emotions experienced, from the dark shadows of despair to the muted tones of lingering pain.

The question, "What were you wearing?" is a devastating one, frequently posed to victims who report their assaults. It insinuates that their choice of clothing somehow contributed to the crime, exacerbating feelings of guilt and shame. The process of reporting can often feel like a secondary violation, further harming the victim's sense of self and well-being. Many choose not to report their assaults, aware of the systemic injustices they may face.

Through this quilt, I seek to raise awareness and provoke thought on how we, as a society, can foster a more supportive and empathetic culture for survivors of sexual violence.