Student Health and Counseling Services’ P.S.E.P.P., Personal Safety Empowerment Partnership Program, Count Me In sponsored an activity known as the Clothesline Project on campus Nov. 25 and 26.
The activity allowed campus and staff to write encouraging messages on T-shirts for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. T-shirts were hung in Room 112 of the Boling University Center and served as a visual display.
“It was a very powerful thing to see. My eyes were opened to how much abuse actually happens. The Clothesline Project was a great event, and I look forward to it for years to come,” senior Communications major Jeremy Smith said.
The Clothesline Project started in 1990 in Cape Cod, Mass. Although it was originally created to speak out on violence against women, UTM’s event targets violence against men as well. P.S.E.P.P. Coordinator Natalie Boyd wants to encourage students to get involved, because sexual and domestic abuse can happen to anyone.
“Our goal is to unite, not only students, but the community when it comes to abuse. When any type of abuse happens, people mainly think of women, but this isn’t always the case. We want males to be aware that they can be abused as well,” Boyd said.
“If you’re not a victim, you may know of someone who is. Everyone is held accountable to speak out and assist in prevention. You never know how much your words and help can change someone’s life,” Boyd said.
P.S.E.P.P. members look to provide an entry portal for students who have been victims of domestic, verbal and sexual abuse.
P.S.E.P.P. started on the UTM campus in 2009 through a grant from the Justice department. This year P.S.E.P.P. received a new grant, which housed the program under the Student Health and Counseling Center, SHCS. The new grant also changed the name of the program to Personal Safety Empowerment Partnership Program, Count Me In.
In January, P.S.E.P.P. will be hosting an event entitled UTM Men Rock. This program will allow males to speak out against domestic and sexual abuse through poetry, dance and artwork. More information will be distributed about the event as January approaches.
The Clothesline Project did not occur without appreciation.
“I would also like to thank Shannon Deal, who is the project director, for all of her support. This event would not be possible without her involvement. I admire her for making sure that students are always informed,” Boyd said.
