Clothesline Project honors domestic violence survivors in Orange County
The shirts were first unveiled Friday at the Orange County Government Center in Goshen, marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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Nearly 700 hand-decorated shirts are on display this month across the Hudson Valley as part of The Clothesline Project — a powerful visual tribute honoring survivors of domestic violence and those lost to abuse.
The shirts were first unveiled Friday at the Orange County Government Center in Goshen, marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The display, created by survivors, their loved ones and supporters, symbolizes strength, healing and solidarity in the fight to end domestic partner violence.
The Clothesline Project takes its name from a time when women would hang laundry out to dry and quietly talk to one another about domestic abuse. Each shirt on the line carries a personal message or story — some expressing pain, others hope and resilience.
The annual exhibit is organized by Fearless! Hudson Valley, a nonprofit that has supported victims and survivors in Orange and Sullivan counties for more than four decades. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the agency’s traveling Clothesline Project.
According to Fearless!, the organization helped 5,902 adults and children in 2024 and fielded more than 11,000 hotline calls for help. So far this year, hotline calls are up 10%, and the agency says it’s on track to receive a record 12,000 calls — the most in its history.
After its debut in Goshen, the clothesline was displayed in Woodbury over the weekend and will be on view in Newburgh on Wednesday. Throughout October, it will travel to communities including Monticello, Middletown, Port Jervis and Monroe to raise awareness and promote resources for those in need.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking support in Orange or Sullivan counties can contact Fearless! Hudson Valley by phone at 845-562-5340 or visit fearlesshv.org for help.
