Clothesline Project sends an important message

By: Editorial Board

Posted: 10/10/08

Every day four women die in this country from domestic violence, according to the National Organization for Women. The Clothesline Project was designed to get the message out there and curb the problem.

The T-shirts hanging in front of the Student Union on Fairfield Way are part of a powerful message about violence against women. In light of the recent assaults on campus, the project is particularly significant this year.

The Clothesline Project, founded in Cape Cod in 1990, is not unique to UConn. The project has grown on a national level and has allowed those affected in some way by dating violence or violence against women to get their message out to a larger community and take a stand against violence.

There are 10 different colored shirts representing afflicted women, including those who have died because of violence, survived sexual assault, and been attacked for their sexual orientation or for political reasons. The clothesline it is hanging on represents women in history. In the past, it has generally been the woman's job to do laundry and hang it out to dry. So, the clothesline and shirts hanging from it represent a visual story unique to women.

The Clothesline Project has been displayed on Fairfield Way all week and will be out today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Today, rather than just passing by on the way to class, students should stop and read the messages written on the shirts. There are some dedicated to loved ones who have died at the hands of their attackers and others show courage and strength.

The project may hit home for some students who have not spoken up about dating violence or assault. The project is a symbol of strength for women everywhere and is something to be noticed. If not, violence will continue and women will remain silent victims.

The project could have a significant impact on men and women alike. There are enough shirts hanging on the clothesline that college students should realize how serious a problem violence against women is. Think of these shirts as people rather than as clothes; that may make more of an impact. It is important that people realize, when something has enough capacity to become a national project, the issue is significant. Speak up if you have been faced with violence. Get the message out there and give a voice to women whose lives have been lost.