FITZGERALD, GA (WALB) -
Stories of abuse and words of encouragement hung from the roof of the blue and gray park pavilion in Fitzgerald this weekend. Over 40 T-shirts, in all shapes and sizes, told the stories of women and children who've been sexual assaulted.
"It gives survivors a chance to tell their story and it gives the community a chance to see what it happens here and we can't be silent about it," says project organizer, Kristen Cook.
The ClothesLine Project started in 1990 when a group of Massachusetts women decided enough was enough. Today, the project is held in over 41 states and 5 countries; uniting women and children against rape and sexual abuse.
"I realized, I'm not alone, that they are more people out there like me and that I could speak up without it being my fault," says Debbie Hamlin.
Hamlin is a mother, wife, and school teacher, but her life wasn't always like this.
"When I was in college I had to go to the doctor and a visit to the doctor ended up with sexual assault and I was scared to tell anyone," says Hamlin.
She says something as simple as telling your story on a plain white T-shirt can break the silence.
"Abusers don't come with signs. It lets people see that it's happening here. It's not in some far off land, it's people that they know."
A shocking reality that anyone can become a victim, but she encourages those who have been abused to come forward.
"If you are in school, talk to a teacher, a counselor, a professor, they can keep you anonymous and work toward that. And find you help. Go to a church, go to a sexual assault rape victim, talk to the police, call someone, tell someone, and help will come."
More than fifty percent of all rape and sexual assaults happened within one mile of a victim's home, and experts say the most unexpected person can be a predator.
Ladies with the Clothesline Project will be at the Blue and Gray park tomorrow and they encourage anyone to come share their story.
For more information about The ClothesLine Project and to see more statistics on women and violence, visit www.rainn.org.
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People tell stories and give encouragement on T-shirts
Kristen Cook says project started in Massachusetts
Survivor Debbie Hamlin encourages victims to come forward
Stories of abuse from children
The project started in 1990 for women and child abuse
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