CONTENT WARNING: Abuse, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence

As we move forward into May, let’s take a moment to reflect back on the past month. April was National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and among the many events, activities, and other awareness-spreading occasions on campus, Marywood hosted an event known as the Clothesline Project.

This project was founded at Utah Valley University and works to bring awareness to violence in one’s community. It is a visual display of the violence and abuse in our communities that often go unnoticed and unchecked. The project consists of displaying t-shirts on a clothesline somewhere in your community or campus where people can see them. Each color represents a different kind of abuse or violence, and participants may choose a shirt and decorate them.

Many participants choose to write their stories, some leave inspirational messages, and some draw pictures and images that resonate with them. Participants can be someone who has suffered violence or has lost a loved one to violence.

This event is a beautiful and meaningful way to help spread awareness and start a much-needed conversation about abuse and violence in our communities. You can learn more about The Clothesline Project on their website, and view their online gallery here.