Cleary University is joining hands with LACASA of Livingston County to support survivors of sexual violence through the Clothesline Project, a powerful T-shirt exhibit designed by many survivors. Each T-shirt represents a personal story, healing journey or message of support. You can view the exhibit in Cleary Commons from Wednesday, April 2 through Saturday, April 26 from 10:30 am to 3 pm. This event also includes a presentation and talk on Tuesday, April 15 from noon to 2 pm in a Cleary Commons classroom.
Sherry Boroto, LMSW, sexual assault team manager from LACASA, will present the talk. She will discuss the dynamics of sexual violence. The public is encouraged to attend this free program. Boroto not only advocates for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault, but she also coordinates LACASA’s Navigating Healthy Relationships program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This abuse prevention program is a collaborative effort between LACASA and The Arc Livingston.
During National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, “Cleary University is honored to partner with LACASA for such an important cause,” says Cleary Associate Professor Angela McBride. “The Clothesline Project not only is a space for survivors to share their voices but also serves as a powerful reminder of the strength within our community. We hope that this event offers healing, raises awareness, and encourages action to end sexual violence.”
The public is welcome to view the exhibit, design their own T-shirt in support of a survivor and hang it for display. Cleary will provide T-shirts and supplies.
The Clothesline Project began in 1990 in Cape Cod, MA, when 31 T-shirts were hung by victims of sexual assault as a way to express their emotions. Since that time, clotheslines are on display every April across the country during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in hopes of helping the healing process for survivors and those who have lost a loved one to violence, as well as documenting the extent of the problem to affect change.
Here are a few alarming facts about sexual assault:
- Every 68 seconds someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.
- Every nine minutes, that victim is a child.
- Before the age of 18, one out of nine girls and one out of 20 boys will be victims of sexual abuse or assault.
LACASA is a nonprofit organization that provides help and hope for victims of abuse. It protects, advocates for, and empowers victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. Visit LACASA’s forever home at 1920 Tooley Rd in Howell or online at www.lacasacentre.org.
