The Clothesline Project

It is not easy for a victim to talk about how they have been manipulated, violated, and dehumanized by their abuser.

Yet it is so critically important that victims realize the support that the community has to offer them as they work through their trauma on their path to healing.

That is why Hands of Hope is hosting a Clothesline Project as part of National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m., Aug. 1 at the Gardens of Matter Park.

The intent of National Night Out is to promote a community building campaign that promotes police and community partnerships so that together we can make communities safer and more caring places to live.

At the event, there will be a clothesline sponsored by Atlas Foundry with shirts designed by Grant County victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking, expressing messages in their own words and through their own artwork.

A domestic violence victim wrote – “But love shouldn’t hurt. Speak your mind even if your voice shakes” while a stalking victim wrote: “Don’t Let Anybody Take Your Sunshine.”

The messages, just like the victims, are varied in what they say. Each shirt, yellow for stalking, purple for domestic violence and teal for sexual violence, represents a friend, family member, neighbor, and community person.

We are encouraging everyone in the community to come out and be a part of National Night Out where in addition to the Clothesline Project, first responders and neighborhood associations leaders will be on hand. There will be interactive games, family fun activities, music, and food trucks as we learn together how to create a safe community for all.

It will be an evening to show both survivors, first responders and the community at large that together we are better as we work to make Grant County a safe, stable, and nurturing place for all.