New Mexico State University's "Clothesline Project" continues to travel around Las Cruces this month, aiming to raise public awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. The project, initially created last fall, features T-shirts decorated with hand-written messages from survivors, each telling a powerful story.
Angie Rodriguez-Navarrette, coordinator for the DASO victim assistance unit, emphasized the importance of the project in shedding light on these critical issues. She said, "It’s important to have this project displayed around the community so people know this does exist more than they realize. We all know of someone that was a victim of sexual assault...Education about these issues helps stop the violence."
The project, color-coded to represent different forms of violence, has been displayed at various locations including NMSU's Activity Center and Aggie Health Center. Grace Telles, community liaison for Las Cruces City Hall, praised the initiative, stating, "Projects such as the NMSU 'Clothesline Project' provide not only awareness to the many types of abuse happening right here in our own neighborhoods, but it most importantly lets the community know their traumas are heard."
The public is encouraged to participate in the project by creating their own T-shirts, which can be added to the display at Las Cruces City Hall. The project will also make stops at the Las Cruces Police Department and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.
Ahram Cho, the criminal justice professor behind the project, expressed gratitude for the community's support. Dennis Giever, NMSU criminal justice professor and department head, commended the project's success in increasing public awareness of the issue. He said, "It is outstanding that we are able to take this out into public locations around Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to increase public awareness of this serious problem."
The "Clothesline Project" will be on display at various locations throughout April, culminating in the Child Abuse Awareness Month Event on April 24. For more information, visit the project's website at https://theclotheslineproject.org/ or access survivor resources at https://ohp.nmsu.edu/ or by calling 575-646-2813.