The Clothesline Project

"The Clothesline Project originated in Hyannis, Massachusetts in 1990 when members of Cape Cod's Women's Defense Agenda learned that during the same time 58,000 soldiers were killed in the Vietnam War, 51,000 U.S. women were killed by the men who claimed to love them."

The University of Utah recently launched the project in 2013 by a student,  Braxton Duston.

“When I realized the project didn’t exist at the U, I was concerned that the voices of survivors at the U and in Salt Lake City were not being heard,” Duston said. “In the weeks leading up to the initial launch, I often felt discouraged, but the event turned out better than I imagined and has been one of the crucial turning points in my life. I am so grateful to those who share their stories—bringing awareness to the issue and demonstrating their incredible strength.”

I didn't  realize this project existed until this year.  Having been a victim of domestic violence, I wanted to share in this experience so that those who feel like they're alone know that there is help.  I never thought it would happen to me.  I had put so much trust in this person, and loved him so much.  Like a cancer though, the abusiveness commenced and then became more rampant... to the point where my life was threatened.  Why did I stay?  I'm not quite sure.  I think I almost became dependent on it...When you end up in an abusive relationship, you become alienated from those who truly love and care for you, and feel like you don't deserve any better.  Your self worth diminishes, and that relationship becomes your world - the only world you know. The only world you think that exists.  But then one day I had an awakening... I realized I was worth more than he said I was.  I knew others would love me, even though he told me that nobody ever would.

I'm grateful for those who never gave up on me... who knew I deserved better.  And I'm grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father who had something better planned for me!

After that relationship ended, I wasn't sure I could ever really  have a healthy relationship again... not one in which I could fully trust the other person.  But I'm grateful for my husband, Ezra, who came along and took me as I was... broken and all.  He loved me unconditionally and helped me piece myself back together.  Despite all the pain I endured, I didn't allow the bitterness to blacken my soul.  But the torment continued.  I had nightmares for 5 years after that awful relationship ended (those nightmares recently subsided), but I've learned a lot and have become a stronger and wiser person because of it.

I am a survivor... and despite having been ashamed of my situation, I am finally speaking out!


For those of you who think you're alone and there's no help... please reach out, because you're not!  Loving, helping hands are ready to embrace you and help you heal.  And just remember... YOU DESERVE BETTER and YOU'RE WORTH IT!



For those of you who have loved ones in this situation... don't give up on them.  Don't judge or criticize... just be there... be there to listen and be their shoulder to cry on.  Be Patient, and help them understand that they're worth more than what they think they are.