Clothesline Project offers pleas and message
Goshen. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, approximately 650 T-shirts made by survivors of domestic violence or in honor of someone who has been a victim of violence were displayed at the Orange County Government Center.
Goshen /
| 02 Oct 2021 | 05:02
“Love should not hurt.” Photos of the Clothesline Project at the Orange County Government Center were provided by the County Executive’s Office.
“Set me free.”
“We are not property.”
Orange County and Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) by hosting the Clothesline Project at the County’s Government Center on Friday, Oct. 1.
“The Clothesline Project is a powerful and sobering reminder of the devastating impact that domestic violence has in our communities,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “The project also allows us to show our support for domestic violence victims and their families. We will continue to assist Fearless! and domestic violence victims, using all of our community’s available resources and programs.”
The Clothesline Project is comprised of T-shirts made by survivors of domestic violence or in honor of someone who has been a victim of violence. It not only promotes awareness, but also helps the healing process for victims and those who have lost a loved one to violence.
According to Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, executive director of Fearless!, the Government Center is one of the best locations to accommodate the full display of more than 650 T-shirts handmade by individuals.
Alarming numbers
Domestic violence statistics are alarming:
One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime.
On average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.
Since September of 2004, 25 individuals have been murdered by their husbands or intimate partners in Orange County, and two women are missing but presumed dead, according to Fearless!
‘One voice in support’
“Every one of us plays a vital role in ending domestic violence and the commitment from Orange County government strengthens our coordinated efforts,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “Today, we stood together as one voice in support of victims and their families. This partnership creates opportunities to have significant impact on victims and their families. We appreciate all that Orange County has done, and continues to do, to help raise awareness about domestic violence.”
In 2020, Fearless! answered 10,096 hotline calls, (an increase of 26.7 percent from 2019), sheltered 37 adults and 26 children, provided 4,102 bed nights in its emergency shelter, and served 3,325 clients and 1,983 children through all its programs. Fearless! advocates provided 13,806 Supportive Counseling Services to individual victims and survivors, creating 5,714 individualized safety plans. Fearless! advocates provided 29,945 advocacy services that included court accompaniment, support with legal, social services, housing, immigration, employment, education, and economic empowerment.
Fearless! essentials
Fearless! provides free therapeutic counseling, support groups, legal services, advocacy, shelter and other forms of support to victims of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking and gives training to agencies, schools, businesses, law enforcement and individuals regarding domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking.
If you or someone you know may be a victim, please call the Fearless! 24-hour hotline at 845-562-5340.