Lansford group hosts Clothesline Project

Domestic violence is any kind of violent or aggressive behavior in the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a group of residents from the Lansford area are planning a powerful display to show survivors that they are not alone.

The public is invited to take part in the Clothesline Project at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Survivors and their family members can decorate shirts with messages of support and solidarity, which will be displayed on a clothesline as a symbol against domestic violence.

Shirts are displayed anonymously, or with references to the survivor or attacker’s first name only.

“It helps with the healing process of domestic violence, also for loved ones of victims of domestic violence,” said Desiree Simpson, who is organizing the event. The Clothesline Project has been taking place across the country since 1990. Different-colored shirts signify different groups who are affected by domestic violence.

The two main colors are yellow, signifying a woman who has been abused, or white, signifying a woman who was killed by her partner.

Simpson is a domestic abuse survivor who decided to unite women in the area. She said the most difficult time for a woman in a violent relationship is the time just before she leaves. That is tragically when most homicides occur.

She said she just wants to remind women who may be in an abusive relationship that help is out there.

“I’m at the point in my life where I can help bring awareness to the community and other survivors,” she said.

For more information about the Clothesline Project, visit https://www.facebook.com/shatterthesilencedv.