The stories of nine young women and girls who were subject to sexual abuse were displayed at an exhibition entitled “Don’t blame clothes” that was mounted in the hall of the Law Faculty of the State University of Moldova. The authors reconstituted the clothes worn by the victims, which would have been the cause of the violence to which they were subject. The event was staged by the Women’s Law Center and the UN Population Fund in Moldova, IPN reports.

Executive director of the Women’s Law Center Natalia Vîlcu said the goal of the exhibition is to combat existing stereotypes according to which the women are to blame for being sexually abuse because they wear improper clothes. Many specialists interact with victims of sexual abuse and ask them such questions as: “What were you dressed in” or “Were you under the influence”. This is an incorrect approach as not the clothes should be blamed and the reasons should be looked for elsewhere.

Eugenia Berzan, UNFPA Moldova program analyst on sexual and reproductive health, said only 15% of the sexually abused women report such cases. “The blame for a case of sexual violence  is borne exclusively by the aggressor. The clothing worn by the woman or her behavior cannot justify an act of aggression,” she stated.

Daniela Misail-Nichitin, director for women’s programs at the International Center “La Strada”, said the clothing, makeup and period of the day cannot be listed as reasons for sexual abuse. An analysis of files showed 50% of the victims are minors, while the number of women and girls who report cases of sexual violence is rather low owing to the prejudice and stereotypes according to which the woman is to blame for what happens to her.

The exhibit can be visited throughout this week.