The shirts pictured above were created as part of the Clothesline Project in which Project DVORA participants depicted their experiences as survivors of domestic violence. All too often, women are encouraged to keep their abuse a secret, to hide their experiences, to feel ashamed of what happened. By making these shirts, women were encouraged to “air the dirty laundry” and put the shame where it belongs – on those who perpetrated the domestic violence.
The Clothesline is about women reclaiming their lives and finding the courage to survive. It exposes a side of life that for too long has remained a silent and destructive force. The goal is to create change on all levels; personally, politically and culturally. It makes clear that violence against women is not acceptable.
*Statistics from 30 Shocking Domestic Violence Statistics That Remind Us It’s An Epidemic. Click here for more facts about domestic violence.
Learn about Domestic Violence Awareness Shabbat on October 24. Project DVORA strives to create the conditions in the Jewish community that support loving, save and respectful relationships and to build capacity in the community to respond to domestic abuse. Contact Project DVORA for confidential support, (206) 461-3240.
