Projects :: Take Back the Night

As part of the Michigan State University's "Take Back the Night" rally, the "Clothesline Project", honors survivors of rape, homicide and domestic violence. This videos shows the poignant messages written by survivors of molestation and rape, using markers across shirts hung on clotheslines. The women showed incredible courage in breaking the silence surrounding their molestation and rape. It's not easy to think or talk about our abuse, but it is necessary. Silence and fear are our biggest enemy. Let's not let our abusers intimidate us into silence and submission. There is hope. Speaking out about our experiences and feelings is the first step into ending the cycle of violence. Let's hold the perpetrators accountable for crimes committed against us and humanity.

Often we feel alone in our abuse, but yet millions of children and women around the world have experienced it or know people who have survived violence committed against them. There is no shame, no guilt in being abused and violated. It is the abuser who bears the guilt and shame. When we break that silence, we break the hold our abuser has on us. We are free. We see that we are more courageous than we think. With courage, hope and love, we can make it through. Let's express our outrage. Let's speak out against violence against women and children and ourselves. Let's show our support and love for every survivor. View more "Take Back the Night".

Walking through the streets of Windsor, Ontario on October 14, 2006, a huge group displayed their activism by chanting, "No more violence," along with other chants. The energy and momentum of their progression stopped cars on the road. Bundled up in winter coats and holding signs, with dogs guarding and roaming alongside them, they take to the streets at night. They make clear that they won't stand for violence against women and children. The freedom to move about as we please at any time of day is a right. Threats, intimidation and violence that alter our behavior violate our basic right to ownership of our bodies and space. In order to make the streets safe, we need to get out and stay out late. We need to not shut ourselves in, out of fear. Let's reclaim the night. View more "Take Back the Night".