March 24, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Sarah Parson
(801) 863-8498
The Clothesline Project, a violence awareness and prevention initiative, will be featured in the Student Center Grande Ballroom on Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1 at UVSC from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A special presentation by Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A) will be held in conjunction with the display April 1 at 6 p.m. in the UVSC Courtyard (or the Grande Ballroom if inclement weather).
The Clothesline Project is a nationwide movement aimed at raising awareness of and combating all types of violence in the community. It began in 1990 in Hyannis, Mass., with a group of 30 women contributing shirts depicting their thoughts and emotions regarding their experiences as victims of violence. The shirts were hung on a clothesline, symbolic of society’s dirty laundry.
The emotions expressed on the shirts are intense and often disturbing, however many are also full of hope and healing. Each shirt represents one survivor’s feelings at a particular time. Each different color of shirt represents a different form of abuse that the survivor went through.
“The event is an eye opening experience for students as they realize the gravity of domestic abuse, sexual assault and incest in our community,” said Sarah Parson, director of the Equity in Education Center at UVSC, which is sponsoring the event along with Turning Point’s Women’s Resource Center. “Many students note that they had no idea that violence was as prevalent as it is, while others report that visiting the Clothesline had a great impact on them, helping them come to terms with their own experiences or those of others around them.”
Today there are Clothesline Projects in 41 states and five countries. Survivors of violence, or those who wish to make a shirt in honor of someone else, are encouraged to make shirts to add to the display. A private area will be provided to make shirts. Shirts and materials for decorating them will be provided free of charge.
For more information or volunteer opportunities at the Clothesline Project, please contact Jennie Briggs at (801) 863-6406 or briggsje@uvsc.edu.
The UVSC Clothesline Project was also available to view online at www.equitycenter.info.
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College Marketing Contact:
Kim Chapman
(801) 863-6807
Written by:
Lisa Rose
(801) 863-8504