ywrape crisis center: 2010 Bergen County Clothesline Project

Survivors Break Their Silence via Clothesline Project Exhibit  

Over 1,800 T-shirts were displayed on “The Green” across from the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack as the Bergen County Clothesline Project held its 17th annual exhibit on Tuesday, September 14th.

The exhibit was sponsored by the YWCA Bergen County Rape Crisis Center in partnership with the Bergen County Department of Human Services, Division of Alternatives to Domestic Violence, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy, Bergen Family Center, National Council of Jewish Women, Bergen County Section, and Shelter Our Sisters.

This powerful display of artwork, which features shirts created by survivors or their significant others, is designed to raise community awareness of violence against women, men, and children. Guests and speakers included Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney; Bergen County Sherriff Leo McGuire; Bergen County Freeholder Bernadette McPherson; Sgt. Alan Lustmann, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office; Teaneck Deputy Mayor Adam Gussen; and Domini Oreski, MSW, LCSW.

The speakers praised the work done by the participating community organizations, and pledged to continue their efforts on behalf of survivors of sexual and domestic violence. “This is the day we must resolve to stop the abuse, stop all violence, and pledge to ensure that all Bergen County citizens are safe,” said Sherriff McGuire.

Students from Ridgefield High School’s Peer and Leadership Support mentoring program and the YCS Fort Lee Education Center viewed the exhibit and made T-shirts. The National Council of Jewish Women also loaned several pieces from their Silent Witnesses project to the exhibit. The Silent Witnesses are silhouetted figures that represent women and children who were murdered in acts of domestic violence.