Clothesline Project to bring awareness of abuse

| 28 Mar 2012 | 03:11

    NEWTON — April is a busier month than usual for organizations and agencies that serve victims of crime, child abuse and sexual assault. Events across the nation are being held to bring awareness to these issues. In Newton this year, in recognition of Crime Victim’s Rights Week, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Ginnie’s House and Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI), will co-sponsor The Clothesline Project on April 18 from 9 to 5 p.m. at the Newton Town Green. This project is a visual protest that bears witness to the issue of interpersonal violence within the community. During the display, a clothesline is hung with shirts. Each shirt is decorated to represent a particular person’s experience with interpersonal violence, by the survivor, or by someone who cares about them. Doing the laundry has always been considered women’s work, and in the days of close-knit neighborhoods, women often exchanged information over backyard fences while hanging their clothes out to dry. The concept of the Clothesline Project was simple — let each person tell their own story, in their own unique way, and hang it out for all to see. It was, and is, a way of airing society’s dirty laundry. Each shirt is decorated to represent a particular type of intimate violence, whether sexual assault, domestic violence, or childhood victimization. T-shirts and materials will be provided throughout the day for all those who wish to make a visual statement about interpersonal violence. The decorated T-shirts will then be hung in the ever-growing public display. Informational material will also be available. The clothesline display is meant to honor survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence as well as to provide an opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and encourage individuals to become involved in efforts to create a safer community for everyone. For more information about scheduled activities, how to get involved, or questions about the services offered in Sussex County contact Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI) at 973-300-5609 or Ginnie’s House Children’s Advocacy Center at 973-579-0770.