The Clothesline Project, on display at Ventura College Oct. 28, brought attention and awareness to abuse taking place within the community.

The Clothesline Project showcases t-shirts with messages of personal experience from survivors of abuse. There were different colors for t-shirts corresponding to different types of abuse, ranging from domestic assault to rape.

The project also brought speakers to voice their opinions on a variety of topics, including domestic violence within the Hispanic community and the cycle of domestic violence.
Resource booths such as Planned Parenthood, Ventura County Health and Psychological, and the Rainbow Alliance were available to give information on their helpful services.

The messages from the shirts represented a wide range of emotion.

“This is for myself. I was physically, mentally and emotionally abused by my child’s father. I thought it was love. No one should be abused by someone they love”

“What part of NO! did you not understand?”

Adam Gutierrez, 22, an undecided major, was surprised after reading messages from the t-shirts.

“It’s pretty crazy seeing that people actually go through this,” he said. “You hear about it, you just don’t think it actually happens”

Other students recognized the powerful messages.

“I think it was very powerful and encouraging,” said Lindsey Van Vlargen, 18, a dental hygiene major. “It is encouraging to get your voice out.”

Some students, such as Erin Eckberg, 24, psychology major and Jamie Howard, 21, special education major, are involved with the project. They both see the program as a valuable asset.

“It’s a very powerful message,” said Howard. “It helps everyone not just those involved.”

The effect the shirts have on victims was also reinforced.

“It is very healing,” said Eckberg. “It’s my favorite time of the year because we get to show this.”