Clothesline Project - Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence
Monday, Oct 21 - Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 10:00am - 2:00 pm
The Clothesline Project began in 1990 in Hyannis, MA. The vision for this project was to allow survivors of domestic violence, or the family of a person, who lost their life to domestic violence to tell their stories by using words or decorating 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.
Around 10 million people every year fall victim to domestic violence in this country alone, whether it’s child abuse, intimate partner abuse, or elder abuse. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender identity, 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), domestic and sexual violence affects 41% of women and 31% of men in Washington State alone. As a community, it is our responsibility to spread and raise awareness regarding domestic violence because it can happen to anyone, at any time, or anywhere. The Clothesline Project is a way to educate, raise, and spread mindfulness concerning this issue.
The Clothesline Project Display will be available for EvCC students and the campus community to view in the Trojan Annex, Parks 242. The shirts displayed were created in the early 1990s 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 of time. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own paper t-shirts to share a personal story or messages of support. These shirts may be added to the Clothesline Display.
Andrea Cervantes, South County Prevention, Education, and 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 at 988lifeline.org.
Title IX
Any member of Everett Community College (including all students and employees) who experiences 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 strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for staff and students to engage with one another about the topic of domestic abuse, including the various kinds of domestic abuse, such as physical, psychological, spiritual, and more. Purple ribbons, 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 Kendra Fifield, Trojan Activity Board coordinator, kfifield@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 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.