Cleary University is joining hands with LACASA Center of Livingston County this month to present the Clothesline Project, a powerful T-shirt exhibit that conveys the magnitude of how sexual violence affects victims, survivors and the community. The university also will host a Clothesline Project Discussion & DIY event on April 19.
During National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, “Cleary is honored to partner with LACASA for such a powerful cause,” said Associate Dean of Students Matt Oliver. “It is our hope that the Clothesline Project will be an empowering event for survivors of sexual violence and an inspiring one for their supporters. We also hope this event brings deeper awareness to our community about the current reality of sexual violence in our local communities and the importance of participating in causes that seek to stop violence that is so destructive across the world.”
The Clothesline Project exhibit will hang in the Cleary Commons until Thursday, April 19. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Sunday).
A Clothesline Project Discussion & DIY event is set for Wednesday, April 19, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Cleary Commons. Guests are invited to attend and create their own T-shirt in support of survivors. Cleary will provide T-shirts and art supplies.
Speaking at the opening of the DIY event will be LACASA Sexual Assault Response Team Manager Sherry Boroto. She will give a presentation on the dynamics of sexual assault.
“The Clothesline Project provides a sense of support for victims and survivors. We invite the public to attend the exhibit and the DIY event, and to join in creating T-shirts that give voice to this complex issue,” Boroto said.
The Clothesline Project began in 1990 in Cape Cod, MA, when 31 T-shirts were hung by victims of sexual assault as a way to express their emotions. Since that time, Clothesline Projects are hung internationally every April during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This expressive initiative raises public awareness about the impact of sexual violence experienced by girls and boys and women and men throughout the world.
Alarming statistics about sexual assault:
- Over half of all women and almost 1 out of 3 men have been the victim of sexual violence in their lifetime
- Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted
- About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse
LACASA Center is a locally based nonprofit organization that provides help and hope for victims of abuse. It protects, advocates for, and empowers victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. LACASA’s Sexual Assault Response Center provides all services at no charge for victims, survivors and their families. Learn more at lacasacenter.org.
