"Clothing is not just fabric; it is the interface between our bodies and the world. For survivors of sexual violence, the relationship with one's body can become fractured. The mirror, once a friend, becomes a source of anxiety. In this context, choosing what to wear transforms from a daily routine into a profound act of reclamation."
I remember the first time I got dressed after my assault. I stood in front of my closet for what felt like hours, touching fabric after fabric, pulling out pieces and putting them back. Nothing felt right. Nothing felt like mine. My body had been violated, and suddenly every piece of clothing felt like either armor or provocation—never just fabric.
