Clothing exhibition a 'powerful reminder' of sex attacks on women and girls

Clothing like that worn by women and girls who suffered rape and sexual assault will go on display as a "powerful reminder" of such attacks.

Handwritten testimonials from survivors will be attached to the items being included in the exhibition, organised by Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC) as part of its 50th anniversary.

Members of the public seeing the items - which include pieces of children's clothing - are being urged to read these, and then share their hopes for women over the next 50 years.

The clothes have been donated by women and girls from Glasgow and the surrounding area, including some who have suffered sexual crimes.

Last year, GCRC - which is Scotland's largest rape crisis centre - supported more than 3,000 females, ranging in age from 13 to their 80s.

Sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland surged by 10% in 2025-26, reaching a total of 16,430 - the highest level on record since 1971.

However, funding means the charity has had to close referrals to some of its waiting lists for specialist support.

In February, it revealed that 182 survivors were waiting for help, with waiting times of up to 226 days.

Centre director Claudia Macdonald-Bruce said: "Every day, we see the devastating impact of rape and sexual violence has on women and girls. The consequences can be life-changing.

"We support survivors from all walks of life from businesswomen, taxi drivers, nurses and schoolgirls.

"There is no single face of sexual violence, and no one should ever believe it could not happen to them, or someone they love."

She added: "We need everyone in Scotland to confront the uncomfortable truth that rape and sexual violence can happen to any woman or girl, anywhere, at any time."

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Speaking about the exhibition, Ms Macdonald-Bruce said the items of clothing "represent real women and girls who were simply living their lives and going about their business".

She continued: "They are a powerful reminder that sexual violence is never about what a women or girl wears, where they go or how they behave. The responsibility always lies with the perpetrator.

"For far too long, women and girls have been expected to change their behaviour, to ask if what they're wearing could attract the wrong attention, while the attitudes that enable violence have been allowed to persist.

"Enough is enough. We must challenge victim-blaming, confront the attitudes that excuse abuse and demand change."

(c) Sky News 2026: Clothing exhibition a 'powerful reminder' of sex attacks on women and girls