The Clothesline Project, according to Peer Advocate of Sexual Respect Erin Murphy '05, is an initiative to highlight the voices of victims of sexual violence. "The Clothesline is made up of t-shirts that tell about experiences of sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, or abuse," she said. Survivors themselves, or friends and family of survivors make their own t-shirts," she said.
Also as part of sexual assault awareness week, the College featured "Friends of ..." workshops, which, according to Peer Advocate Emily Cole '07 , help people take care of a friend who has been sexually assaulted. In addition, on Thursday the Project sponsored a 12-hour "healing fire." "Students, faculty and staff were invited to come and let something go in the fire," Cole said. "As people burned memories and feelings written out on paper or just pieces of wood or bark, they were able to partially let go of what was bothering them and gain support."
The Speak-Out, held on Friday, featured a public forum for community members to talk about their experiences with sexual violence and a candlelight vigil followed the event.
"We want people to realize that sexual violence is a huge issue in our own community," said Cole. "It is not something that happens 'out there'; it affects all of our lives. The Clothesline Project is wonderful because it gives a voice to survivors and also helps to support them. It is a way of not only educating the community, but of also letting victims and survivors know that they are not alone."