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The Clothesline project was established in 1990 when the Cape Cod Women's Defense Agenda learned that 58,000 soldiers were killed during the Vietnam War, and during that same time 51,000 women in the United States were killed by men claiming to love them. The Clothesline is made up of t-shirts created by survivors of violence, or created by the loved ones of those who did not survive. The Clothesline is a powerful witness of the violence many live with. It provides a healing outlet for those who were forcibly silenced. Its goal is to raise awareness and stir the viewers to action in an effort to end the epidemic of violence. It is displayed regularly at UVSC during October and April. It is also available as a traveling display.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Please understand that the emotions expressed on the shirts are very intense and often disturbing - but yet how much more disturbing is it to actually live with the reality being represented? You will see anger, fear and pain. But you will also see love, hope and healing. Each shirt represents one survivor's feelings at a particular time. Please be respectful.
WHAT DO THE COLORS OF THE T-SHIRTS MEAN?
While each survivor selects the t-shirt color they feel best represents their experience, in general the various colors represent specific types of violent acts.
White - for individuals who died as a result of violent acts
Yellow - for survivors of domestic violence and other forms of physical assault
Red, pink or orange - for survivors of rape or sexual assault
Blue or green - for survivors of incest or childhood sexual abuse
Purple or lavender - for individuals attacked due to (perceived) sexual orientation
Black - for individuals who became disabled as a result of an attack, or for those attacked because of a disability
Gray - for survivors of verbal and/or emotional abuse
Brown - for survivors of spiritual abuse
WHAT DO THE SOUNDS MEAN?
The gong is struck to indicate someone is being battered. Women are battered every 10 to 12 seconds in the United States.
The whistle is being blown to indicate a reported rape. Keep in mind that most rapes are not reported. Every minute of every day more than one woman reports being raped in this country. The bell is rung to indicate that a woman has been killed in a violent attack. In the United States 3 to 4 women are killed by their lovers or husbands each day.
[November 1993 National Victim Center Statistics]
WHAT GOOD DOES THIS PROJECT DO?
The Clothesline Project provides evidence that domestic and sexual violence exists in our communities. It is a visual reminder of statistics that we often ignore. It gives a voice to those who have been forcibly silenced. Hopefully, it stirs us to action. A public must be informed about domestic violence to act to prevent it. Information on how to recognize and prevent violence, reach out to victims and make a difference in the community is provided at each display of the project (including this on-line display). Most importantly, this project provides survivors with a venue to courageously break the silence and make us aware. This Clothesline is a tribute to them.
OTHER INFORMATION:
If you would like to make a shirt, t-shirts are available. If you would like to volunteer your time, efforts or money to the continuation of the Clothesline, it would be appreciated.
The Clothesline is a traveling display. If you would like to arrange for it to be displayed at a community or school event, please call (801) 863-8498.
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