Imagine this scenario: A young woman is walking down the street in a crowded Indian market, wearing a trendy outfit she feels confident and comfortable in. Suddenly, she is subjected to lewd comments, stares, and even groping by strangers. Her first thought might be, "Was it because of what I was wearing?" This is a common misconception that many people hold - the belief that a person's clothing choices can somehow justify or provoke sexual assault. However, we must debunk this myth and understand that what one wears is never an excuse or justification for assault.

Sexual assault is a heinous crime that can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or what they are wearing. It violates a person's bodily autonomy and infringes on their human rights.

Does clothing causes assault?

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that clothing does not cause assault; perpetrators do. Assault is not about what the survivor is wearing; it is about the perpetrator's intention to exert power and control over another person without their consent. Studies have shown that sexual assault is primarily driven by power, entitlement, and a sense of dominance rather than the victim's appearance or attire. Blaming clothing for assault is a dangerous oversimplification that ignores the complex dynamics of power, consent, and violence that underlie sexual assault.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 32,033 reported cases of rape in India in 2019, and most survivors knew their perpetrators. The NCRB's statistics also reveal that most survivors of sexual assault wore ordinary clothes, such as salwar kameez, sarees, or casual western wear, at the time of the assault. This demonstrates that clothing choices are not a determining factor in sexual assault cases, and perpetrators do not select their victims based on their clothing.

Research has also shown that there is no correlation between clothing and the occurrence of sexual assault. A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that clothing did not play a significant role in the occurrence of sexual assault. The study concluded that "clothing should not be used as a risk reduction strategy by women and girls, as perpetrators do not choose their targets based on clothing."

Furthermore, activists and experts emphasise that blaming the victim's clothing choices perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces patriarchal attitudes that hold women accountable for men's actions. Kavita Krishnan, an Indian women's rights activist and Secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA), rightly said, "Rape is not about clothes. It's about power. It's about violence. It's about control. And it's time we stop blaming victims and start holding perpetrators accountable," she adds, "the only thing that causes rape is the rapist." Moreover, victim-blaming harms survivors psychologically and dissuades them from seeking justice and reporting assaults due to fear of societal judgment and shame.

Victims of sexual assault already face immense trauma, shame, and emotional distress. Blaming their clothing choices only adds to their suffering and can discourage them from coming forward to report the assault or seek justice. This perpetuates a culture of silence and impunity for perpetrators, and victims are denied the support and justice they deserve.

The absence of right portrayal

Highlighting the fallacy of this myth, Bollywood actress Tapsee Pannu, known for her outspoken views on gender issues, once said in an interview, "A dupatta (scarf) doesn't guarantee you protection, neither does a short skirt guarantee you an assault." This statement resonates with the reality that clothing is not a safeguard against sexual assault, and the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrators.

Pop culture has also played a role in perpetuating harmful myths about clothing and assault. For example, in Bollywood movies, often victims of assault are portrayed as wearing a revealing dress, which sends the wrong message that clothing choices are a justification for assault. Such depictions in popular culture can contribute to the normalisation of victim-blaming and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes.

However, positive examples in the media have challenged this myth. For instance, in the popular web series "Delhi Crime," based on actual events, the portrayal of a sexual assault case highlights that the victim was wearing traditional Indian clothing and was blameless in the assault. This portrayal effectively challenges the myth that clothing justifies assault and highlights the reality that assault can happen irrespective of what a person is wearing.

Another crucial aspect to consider is that the burden of modesty is disproportionately placed on women, while men are not held to the same standard. In many societies, women are expected to conform to societal norms of dress and behaviour to avoid harassment or assault. Societal pressure restricts women's freedom of expression and choice and perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes. It is high time we acknowledge that everyone has the right to dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable and confident, without fear of judgment or assault.

Is sexual assault limited to women?

It is also important to note that sexual assault is not limited to women. Men, non-binary individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community can also be victims of sexual assault, and their clothing choices are equally irrelevant to the justification of the crime. Sexual assault is a corruption of power and control, and the gender identity or clothing choices of the survivor should never be used to justify or excuse the actions of the perpetrator, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that clothing is a form of self-expression and should not be policed or judged. Everyone has the right to dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable, confident, and true to their identity without fear of being blamed for the actions of others. As actress Sonam Kapoor, a vocal advocate for women's rights, once said, "My choice of clothes does not determine my character. It's my actions, my words, and my choices that define me."

It is also essential to recognise that the idea of clothing being linked to assault is deeply ingrained in some parts of our society due to harmful cultural and societal norms. For instance, victim-blaming is often perpetuated by regressive attitudes and beliefs in various communities, where a survivor's clothing choices are viewed as a reflection of their morality or respectability. These harmful notions need to be challenged and changed to create a safer and more inclusive society for all individuals.

Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that sexual assault is vastly underreported in India and many other countries for various reasons, including fear of retaliation, social stigma, and lack of faith in the criminal justice system. Therefore, relying on clothing choices as a factor in justifying assault is not only baseless but also a distraction from addressing the fundamental issue of the perpetrator's behaviour and holding them accountable for their actions.

In recent years, powerful movements such as #MeToo have shed light on the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment and have empowered survivors to share their stories and demand justice. Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement, states, "It doesn't matter if someone is walking down the street naked, it doesn't matter if they're drunk, it doesn't matter if they're flirtatious, it doesn't matter if they're your wife, it doesn't matter if they're your husband - nobody has the right to put their hands on somebody without their consent." This powerful statement emphasises that consent is critical in any sexual encounter, and clothing should never be used as an excuse for assault.

Sexual assault is a crime of power and control, driven by the intentions and actions of the perpetrator, and should never be justified or excused by what the survivor is wearing.

It is essential to change the narrative and focus on holding perpetrators accountable, addressing harmful cultural and societal norms, and creating a safer and more inclusive society where everyone's right to self-expression and bodily autonomy is respected, regardless of their gender, age, or clothing choices.

We should strive to create a world where victim-blaming is not tolerated and survivors of sexual assault are supported with empathy, respect, and justice without considering their clothing choices. It also promotes awareness and education about consent, gender equality, and healthy relationships; and requires holding perpetrators accountable through thorough investigations, fair trials, and appropriate legal consequences.

Data do not support it, contradict activists' statements, and go against the principles of gender equality and individual autonomy. As activists, experts, and survivors rightly advocate, it's time to shift the blame from the survivor's clothing to the perpetrator's actions.

Remember, no one ever deserves or invites sexual assault—clothing is never a justification for this horrific crime. It’s crucial to break this myth and focus on creating a safer, more just society for everyone.