Clothesline Project - Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence
Monday, Oct 23 - Thursday, Oct 26, 2023 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Clothesline Project began in 1990 in Hyannis, MA. The idea of this project was to allow each survivor of domestic violence, or the family of a person who lost their life to domestic violence to tell their stories by using words and/or decorate a t-shirt. According to the Clothesline Project’s website, “The concept was simple- let each woman tell her story in her own unique way, using words and/or artwork to decorate her shirt. Once finished, she would then hang her shirt on the clothesline. This very action serves many purposes. It acts as an educational tool for those who come to view the Clothesline; it becomes a healing tool for anyone who makes a shirt- by hanging the shirt on the line, survivors, friends, and family can literally turn their back on some of the pain of their experience and walk away; finally, it allows those who are still suffering in silence to understand that they’re not alone.” While the Clothesline Project focused on representing women who were impacted by domestic violence, we recognize domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender.
It is estimated that domestic violence affects 10 million people every year in this country whether it includes child abuse, intimate partner abuse, or elder abuse. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless what age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, religion, education level, marital status, or employment status. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) stated that domestic and sexual violence affects 41% of women and 31% of men in the Washington State alone. As a community, it is our responsibility to spread and raise awareness regarding domestic violence that can happen to anyone, at any time, or anywhere. The Clothesline Project is a way to educate, raise, and spread the awareness regarding this issue.
The Clothesline Project Display will be available for EvCC students and campus community to view in Parks 242, the former Russell Day Gallery. The shirts displayed were created in the early 1990’s by local domestic violence survivors or the surviving loved-ones of a person who lost their life to domestic violence. The messages these shirts convey continue to resonate beyond the passing time. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own paper t-shirt to share a personal story or convey messages of support. These shirts may be added to the Clothesline Display.
Annie Landis, Outreach Outreach Coordinator for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County will be hosting an event welcome table outside of Parks 242 and will be available to answer questions and provide local resources.
EvCC Counseling and Student Success is available for current EvCC students who may need short-term personal counseling. Counselors are available by phone, video and in-person. To schedule an appointment, please call 425-388-9263 or email: counseling@everettc.edu. If you or someone else is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Donation Drive
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County has provided a list of essential items to assist local survivors of domestic violence. Print one here, or stop by the Student LIFE Office in Parks Student Union, 209 and/or the Clothesline Project event welcome table to pick-up a donation list. The Donation Bin will be located outside Student LIFE, PSU 209 during business hours.
Title IX
Any member of Everett Community College (including all students and employees) who experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, or stalking can reach out to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs for support from the College. Contact information: Susanne Weatherly, TitleIXCoordinator@everettcc.edu, 425-388-9271, or in Olympus Hall Room 114.
The Clothesline Project opens up the opportunity for staff and students to engage with one another about the topic of domestic abuse, in a safe and inclusive environment and to discuss the different kinds of domestic abuse such as physical, psychological, spiritual. Purple ribbon, Stickers, and pins will be offered to help spread awareness about domestic abuse. We will offer both confidential and non confidential resources to fit different needs.
For more information on this event, please contact Johannes Koenig, Trojan Activity Board coordinator, jkoenig1@everettcc.edu, Bowon Choi, Trojan Activity Board Coordinator, bchoi@everettcc.edu or Student LIFE Advisor, Lindsay Hudson, at lhudson@everettcc.edu or (425) 388-9508.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation in connection with this event, contact the Center for Disability Services at least 5 days in advance at 425-388-9272 or cds@everettcc.edu.