Costumes, clothing, and consent

Disclaimer: Although this opinion column is titled Girl Talk, sexual assault can affect anyone of any gender.

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. The decorations, the candy, the atmosphere, and most importantly—the costumes! This year my friends and I will be going as characters from “Alice in Wonderland,” and I could not be more excited for the 31st to roll around. We all have purchased very cute costumes, and we can’t wait to show them off. With this being said, it’s important to discuss costumes, clothing, and consent. Halloween costumes and everyday clothing are not an excuse to violate someone’s body, and it’s vital that we talk about this issue. 

As stated in a study done by Colorado State University, Halloweekend accounts for 5-7% of sexual assault cases reported all year. In addition, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 50% of college sexual assaults happen in the fall. There is a large sum of sexual assault cases that go unreported, so this number is a rough estimate that is much likely higher. To combat this, it’s key that we continue to talk about costumes not equating to consent. Defined by Planned Parenthood, “Consent means actively agreeing to be sexual with someone. Consent lets someone know that sex is wanted. Sexual activity without consent is rape or sexual assault.” Simply wearing a Halloween costume, or any outfit, does not equate to wanting to be touched in any capacity.  

Costumes are meant to empower individuals and make them feel confident, attractive, and excited to celebrate Halloween—costumes are not meant to be excuses for individuals to take advantage of someone else. They are not an excuse to touch someone inappropriately without properly asking for consent, to verbally harass or catcall another and make them feel uncomfortable, or to engage in unwanted sexual activities. 

Women are constantly told that the less we wear, the more we are “asking for it.” One example is police officer Michael Sanguinetti telling a group of female students, “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” The dangerous and corrupt logic that clothing equates to consent is heightened during Halloween, as statistics show. In 2013, an art installation was created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling’s poem, What I Was Wearing. The installation included various outfits that survivors were wearing when sexually assaulted, including children’s nightgowns, t-shirts and jeans, an Army uniform, a prom dress, and so much more. The goal of this powerful installation is to show that sexual abuse and assault can occur at any time, wearing any type of clothing.

While Halloween is my favorite holiday and time of the year, there are certain aspects that need to be discussed and brought to light.  I, just like everyone else, am allowed to dress however I want this holiday, and in general, without feeling scared or uncomfortable. Costumes, along with clothing, will never be synonymous with consent and will never be justification for being disrespectful and abusive. As stated in “Clothes are NOT Consent” by Alexandra Pecoraro, “Clothes are not consent. Clothes have never been consent. Clothes will never be consent.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, please contact 1-800-656-4673 or visit www.rainn.org.