Clothesline Project kicks off week to recognize victims and survivors of violence and assault.
T-shirts for the annual Clothesline Project will be decorated at University Village on Friday, April 13, as part of a week of activities to recognize victims and survivors of sexual assault. Students and community members are encouraged to decorate a t-shirt from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The project, which will be on display beginning Monday, April 16, at 9 a.m. along the History Walk and the front entrance of campus, will feature hundreds of t-shirts, each representing a survivor of sexual violence. Supplies will also be available for those who wish to decorate a shirt at the event on Monday. Also on Monday, April 16, a film screening of the short documentary Rape is . . . will be shown at 7 p.m. in 170 University Hall. A discussion will follow with Christie Launius, campus coordinator of the event and director of the Women Studies Program, and Anne Ealick-Henry, director of Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services. Shannon Nix, a counselor in ASU’s Counseling Center, will facilitate. “The film screening, along with a banner contest, is one of the new things we’re doing this year to raise awareness,” says Dr. Launius. “We’re really trying to target the student population, and we’re extending an invitation to the Greek Life community and student athletes to raise awareness among all students.” Each year, a rally and march take place in honor of victims of sexual abuse. The Take Back the Night rally will be held at Augusta State on Thursday, April 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in a joint effort with University Hospital’s Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services. “Take Back the Night is designed to raise awareness of violence against women,” says Dr. Launius. “It’s a space where the community can come together and affirm their commitment to ending violence.” The rally and march on Thursday is the culmination of the week’s events. At 6:30 p.m., the rally will begin, and more than a dozen organizations will offer information on sexual assault. A t-shirt station will also be set up for those wanting to paint a t-shirt. President William A. Bloodworth, Jr., will provide the welcome and Cameron Lippard, assistant professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work, will emcee the event. Speakers will include Ashley Wright, assistant District Attorney, Carl C. Brown, Jr., Richmond County Superior Court Judge, Ms. Ealick-Henry, and Dr. Launius. Banners created by student organizations to advertise Take Back the Night will be hung throughout campus beginning on Friday, April 13, and a prize will be given by Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services to the student organization with the best banner. “We also have survivors who will speak, and the idea is that through publicly sharing their experiences, they will raise awareness. It’s a powerful way for survivors to heal,” Dr. Launius says. She adds, “This event couldn’t happen the way it does without the people involved and the community support.” At the end of the rally, participants will light candles and begin a march that will circle the ASU campus. Volunteers are still needed to help with the event. If you are interested in participating in Take Back the Night or need more information, contact Dr. Launius in the Department of English and Foreign Languages at 706-667-4430.
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April 2007 |
