Hand-written messages of hope and forgiveness, anger and remorse stretched across the plaza at Chapman University.
Passing students stopped to read the thoughts written on hundreds of multi-colored T-shirts that were part of the Orange County Clothesline Project. They were written by victims of child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking, domestic violence and homicide.
Students could also add to the display and speak out against their own abusers.
“April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we use this opportunity to support survivors through allyship,” said Vanessa Reyna, program director for the nonprofit Waymakers’ Victim Assistance Programs.
“It’s important for survivors to know that they are believed and heard — and that they are not alone. Part of being an ally means collaborating with other organizations to combat sexual violence through a community approach, and displaying our Orange County Clothesline Project is one of the ways we create education and conversations, and bridge supportive services to survivors,” she said.
The Orange County Clothesline Project began in 2001 with eight T-shirts. It is now in its 22nd year.
The display will be at Irvine Valley College on April 25 and Cypress College on April 26.
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