Gently waving in the breeze, the exhibit of t-shirts created by survivors of domestic violence and the families of victims of domestic violence served as a chilling reminder of the reality of domestic violence.
The exhibit was part of a greater project, the Clothesline Project, which began in Cape Cod, MA in 1990. According to the organizations website, Clothesproject.com, the project is described as, “a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. They then hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women.”
The display, timed to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness month, was arranged by Professor Stephanie Halter’s criminal justice students in close coordination with the S.A.G.E. (Sexuality, Anti-violence and Gender Equity) Center. During the time that the clothesline was up, students were encouraged to create their own T-shirts to be used in later such projects.
The shirts spoke of close personal experiences with domestic violence. The display was an open reminder that domestic violence is real and occurs with alarming frequency. The number of fatal incidences of domestic violence are numerous. PSU is doing its part to make sure this does not go unnoticed.
“It was a taste of advocacy for the criminal justice students involved,” said Halter. Many students felt that it was a difficult, but rewarding experience, “It is my hope that my students are learning how to be actively involved in something that they care deeply about, working to bring about positive change,” said Halter.
Halter stresses the importance of this cause. “Domestic violence has affected many people,” she says, noting that domestic violence happens on campus as well as in homes. Her criminal justice classes study domestic violence cases, as well as other types of abuse.
There are many organizations which offer help to victims of domestic abuse. On campus, the S.A.G.E Center, previously Women’s Services and Gender Resource Center, is easily reached by a quick call or short walk. Their extension is 2387, and they are located on the second floor of Holmes House. Online at Plymouth.edu/wsgr, services such as information and referral services, support groups, and educational programming are listed.
On a broader scale, a particular organization, Voices Against Violence, has caught the attention of some in the area. On their website, Smoc.org, Voices Against Violence defines its services: “Voices staff members work to empower battered individuals and sexual assault survivors to help themselves and their children. Staff works closely with battered individuals and sexual assault/rape survivors to ensure their safety, create stable home environments, gain independence, and to develop personal and economic self-sufficiency.”
Nancy Aldrich of Plymouth’s Child Development Center, is certainly one such advocate. Currently she is selling shirts which proclaim that “calling is the first step, not calling may be your last.” The shirts are being sold for $10 apiece. To purchase one, contact Nancy at extension 2299.
If you are in need of help or would like to provide assistance to those who do, please contact the S.A.G.E. Center at 535-2387, or atdrsmith@plymouth.edu.