The Clothesline Project, an effort to raise awareness of gender-based violence, is a visual testimony to the shattering effect of violence and the impact it has on society. Survivors of violence -- and friends and families of victims -- create shirts emblazoned with direct messages and strong illustrations. The shirts demonstrate the pain and suffering of the survivors, aid in their healing process, and celebrate their strength and courage to overcome the past.

The shirts are hung side by side on a clothesline, as though the survivors were standing there themselves, shoulder to shoulder, bearing witness to the violence committed on a daily basis. The shirts are color coded: white for those who have died of violence; yellow or beige for survivors who have been battered or assaulted; red, pink, or orange for those raped or sexually assaulted; blue or green for survivors of incest or child sexual abuse; purple or lavender for those attacked because of their sexual orientation; and black for survivors handicapped by violence.

The project encourages survivors to come forward to break the silence by creating shirts to share their stories. All materials are supplied free of charge. Please consider dropping by the Women's Center to create your own shirt in a quiet, comfortable environment.

Location:	Women's Center, 206 Washington St., Blacksburg
Price:	Free
Sponsor:	Montgomery County NOW, United Feminist Movement, Women's Center at VT, Women's Resource Center
Contact:	Susan Anderson anderson@math.vt.edu 540-231-8041
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