SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -October 28, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A display at the University of Utah is helping victims of abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence have a voice and share their messages of support and hope for others.
The annual Clothesline Project, a display of shirts decorated by local survivors and victims of assault, is the University of Utah’s way to help bring awareness to the problem. “Victims, and friends and family of victims, of sexual assault can design shirts to anonymously express their feelings and their experiences towards sexual assault in a fairly public manner,” said Liam Du Preez, associate director of student advocacy for the University of Utah. “Not only to raise awareness, but to also provide a positive vector for their feelings and a way they can get the word out there without the spotlight being on them.”
The Clothesline project is brought to the University of Utah’s campus one to two times a year and organizers are hoping to get the event moved to the library so more people can be involved. “We had this year’s event scheduled at the library, but due to a last minute scheduling conflict we had to move it back to the Union Building,” said Du Preez. “We hope to move it for the next event so more people can have a chance to look at the display and spread more awareness.”
The University of Utah offers support and resources to those dealing with sexual assault or domestic violence through its Center for Student Wellness. “Sexual assault is a really big deal that affects Utah and especially the University,” said Du Preez.
Du Preez said they are hoping to hold the next Clothesline event in April during sexual assault awareness month.
