Art Against Domestic Violence
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Photojournalist:
DULUTH - Colors, words, and a message from students at the University of Minnesota-Duluth are imprinted on the fabric of society for all to see.
"The Clothesline Project is to represent victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, incest or child rape and abuse because of your sexual orientation," said Emily Aldritt, a student intern for the Women's Resource and Action Center at UMD.
It's a way for those individuals affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt.
"They've made statements on how they feel and it's from the heart. Things like: It needs to end and no more silence," said Debby Jonasen, of the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.
The idea first started with CASDA and their shirt display can be seen at the Douglas County Government Center.
The colorful words and images are a reminder of the problem facing many today.
"It's people that feel they need to be in control and it gets to the point when it becomes dangerous for women and children," said Jonasen.
In 2011, CASDA served 535 people that came in for services regarding domestic violence and sexual assault.
According to Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs (DAIP) in Duluth, law enforcement dealt with 517 domestic assault reports.
More than 214 children were included in those reports.
"It's one in four women that are sexually assaulted in their lifetime so a vast majority, even if they haven't come forward and talked about it have been affected or at least know someone who's been affected," said Aldritt.
The eye–catching displays are a sign for those who need help, a reminder that there is support for victims.
"Our hope certainly is to reach the community and let them know that they are not alone, that there are places that they can come to and get the services that they need," said Jonasen.
Aldritt said, "Hopefully an end goal is to end it so we don't have to do this anymore."
The UMD Clothesline Project will be displayed on campus in the bus hub Oct. 19-29.
