Editor’s note: This article references rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and transphobic phrases. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. The University of Maryland’s Health Center runs a 24-hour crisis line for assault survivors – call (301) 741-3442. A national hotline for survivors is available at (800) 656-4673. The 24-hour National Suicide and Crisis Line can be reached at 988 or online at 988lifeline.org.
by Franklin Zessis
On Wednesday, Oct. 11, CARE to Stop Violence, part of the University of Maryland Health Center, held its twice-yearly Clothesline Project at this university’s Hornbake Plaza. Photo by Franklin Zessis.The Clothesline Project helps spread and show support for sexual assault survivors. Photo by Franklin Zessis.Students received a blank white T-shirt and art supplies to share their story or write a positive message. Photo by Franklin Zessis.The T-shirts were hung out for all students who walked through Hornbake Plaza to see. Photo by Franklin Zessis.The messages stood in stark contrast to ones chalked across campus just a few weeks earlier by student activist group Preventing Sexual Assault. The chalked quotes were graphic and uncensored, containing explicit descriptions of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and transphobic comments, prompting backlash from survivors. Photo by Joel Lev-Tov.Some students conveyed messages of support to survivors at the Hornbake Plaza clothesline. Photo by Franklin Zessis.Others gave prayers of support. Photo by Franklin Zessis.Some told their stories. Photo by Franklin Zessis.You can learn more about CARE at this link. Photo by Franklin Zessis.
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