What is the Clothesline?
The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to violence against women. During the public display, a clothesline is hung with shirts. The shirts are decorated by the survivor herself or by someone who cares about her. The purpose...

• To bear witness to the survivors as well as the victims of the war against women.
• To help with the healing process.
• To educate, document, and raise society's awareness of the extent of the problem of violence against women.
• To provide a nationwide network of support, encouragement, and information for other communities starting their own Clothesline Projects.

What Goes On The Clothesline /Creating a Shirt?
You need not be an artist to create a moving, personal tribute. Whether you choose simply to paint or sew elaborate embroidery is up to you -- any remembrance is appropriate.

These colors are not mandatory if a different color or pattern has a special significance to you.

• White or Beige for women who have been battered or assaulted
• Yellow for women who have died of violence
• Red, Pink, or Orange for women survivors of incest or child sexual abuse
• Purple or Lavender for women attacked because of sexual orientation

Guidelines For Creating A Shirt

Use a natural fabric sew rather than using glue photocopy photographs onto iron-on's use acrylic or textile paint, color-fast dye or indelible ink

Names ...naming the perpetrator is an important part of the healing process. But, for legal reasons, we cannot display shirts with full names of the perpetrators. We ask that shirt makers use first names or initials if they wish to name their violator.

Participating In The Shafer Center's Clothesline Display
Download a participation form

Starting A Clothesline Project In Your Area
Write for guidelines, ideas, lessons from our experience and other information. Contact us when you begin so you can be included in national and regional events.

The Clothesline Project
National Network
PO BOX 727
East Dennis, Massachusetts 02641
PH: 508-385-7004
FX: 508-385-7011