When victims of sexual assault or battery come forward to share their stories, questions often arise that examine their behavior rather than the perpetrators.

One of the most embarrassing questions is 'What is she wearing?'

This problematic question means that the victim herself is being attacked. Blaming the victim for the abuse is called victim blaming. This view suggests that if rapists are not provoked to rape, their attacks can be prevented. These attitudes that we must adopt to prevent rape can increase the emotional trauma for victims of sexual violence and justify the actions of the rapist.

First, this attitude pushes victims into closets and shames their voices. Surviving an assault is an accomplishment in itself, as many survivors feel shame and guilt after the assault.

But it takes a lot of courage to take the next step and share your experience. As a society, we silence our victims and deny the validity of their experiences.

Second, by asking the victim what they are wearing, their bodies become useless sexual objects. Claiming that the female whistleblower is justifying her assault is nothing more than sexual exploitation of her body. Believing that a low-cut top or shorts can induce rape is not the rapist, it is the victim 'asking'.

Moreover, many women can attest that our bodies are sexualized no matter what we wear. 

Fully clothed women are harassed and violated because they are denied the dignity and respect that sets them apart from their sex objects from the start.

This question protects the rapist, not the victim. The rapist is not responsible if the victim can be said to have raped someone because the victim chose to wear clothing 'reminiscent of rape.' It is just a means to continue the heinous crimes by giving the victims a scapegoat to escape punishment for their crimes. Finally, victimization does not provide a definitive solution to the problem of rape. Instead, it shifts responsibility. It would be wrong to advise women to dress modestly to avoid sexual harassment. It only shames victims of abuse who do not meet these standards. Blaming the victim is not constructive in consoling the victim or solving the problem. Instead of saying 'It's not your fault,' 'You have a choice,' 'How can I help you?' and treating casualties. It is good to express our trust by comforting them with words.

So the next time someone asks, 'What's she wearing?' he asks a question. Remember: no clothes are allowed.