The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Southern Arkansas University will host “The Clothesline Project” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, on the mall area of the SAU campus. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center Grand Hall.
“The Clothesline Project” is a traveling exhibit of approximately 300 hand decorated items of clothing, each representing a life lost due to domestic violence in Arkansas over the past 10 years. The display serves as a lasting memory of the problems and issues surrounding domestic violence. This will be the fifth year that the project has traveled to the SAU campus.
April is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to statistics, an average of 30 Arkansans are killed each year as a result of domestic violence.
The exhibit has been described as being a “powerful, unforgettable display.” In years past, the display has even included shirts in memory of domestic violence victims from Magnolia. This year, local agencies will be represented during the event as will a special “class signature” of this year’s Social Psychology class who regularly host the exhibit.
SAU students and faculty will be assisting in arranging and repacking the display both days. Dr. Chrisanne Christensen, associate professor of psychology, said that the Clothesline project is an educational presentation, allowing the students and others to learn about issues related to all types domestic violence. The exhibit is sponsored by Christensen, Social Psychology students, and the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
For more information on the Clothesline Project, contact Christensen at (870) 235-4934.
