“A visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored.” That was the thought playing again and again in my mind as I stood gazing at The Clothesline Project, a gallery of colorful but solemn T-shirts hanging on display. Though the colors of the shirts did have significance, the true message was in the handwritten notes scrawled across them. (The following messages have been edited for brevity.)
“I’m not okay. And that’s okay! I thought it was my fault. I thought no one would care.”
“Living in your house was like soaking in a stew of constant threats and violence. I’m still afraid every time I hear footsteps on the stairs. I’m 42.”
“You may not have hurt me physically but you sure did mentally.”
“Your spirit is free, your girls are safe, you are always with us, we still see your smile and hear your laugh. He can’t hurt you anymore. #endthesilence #stopdomesticviolence ”
The Clothesline Project started in the US in 1990 after statistics revealed that during the 20 years of the Vietnam War, some 58,000 soldiers were killed abroad while 51,000 US women were killed by the men who claimed to love them. These startling numbers motivated the Cape Cod’s Women’s Defense Agenda to create a program that would speak up for and shed light on the issue of violence against women. And part and parcel of that initiative was hanging color-coded t-shirts on clotheslines in public places, a compelling image, and a concrete way to manifest the issue.
Some four decades later, the project has evolved with the times and moved across geographical boundaries, fostering similar communities in several countries around the world, including China. Community Center Shanghai (CCS) picked up The Clothesline Project this year and hosted its first event on Aug 12, which saw folks engaging in small-group discussions about mental health while painting T-shirts to add to the traveling Clothesline. This event in particular was more of a broader look at mental health awareness, and especially for teens.
And that’s where we come in.
CCS has set a goal of getting 500 T-shirts on the Clothesline by the end of 2021 and you can help! Pick up an old or new T-shirt (turn them inside out), some textile paints or fabric markers, and write/draw your own message – anything from a personal story to words of encouragement for others. And if you have an idea for a design but can’t quite bring yourself to put pen to shirt, feel free to send your ideas as well!
If you are suffering abuse of any kind, or know someone who is, please reach out. You can email counseling@communitycenter.cn or call 136-3631-7474, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm for help through CCS. Or you can reach out to Beijing-based mental health organization CandleX by scanning the QR code below.
KEEP READING: The Saga Continues: Lilian’s Story On Being Bullied In High School
Images: Courtesy of The Clothesline Project and Community Center Shanghai
