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EVE Inc.’s Clothesline Project raises awareness about domestic violence

By Candice Black 3 min read

MARIETTA -- Garments of different colors are on display on clotheslines at Marietta College in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

It's hoped the display, put on by EVE., Inc, sends the message that there is help out there for men and women who are victims of domestic violence in all its different forms.

The colors in the display have different meanings: White represents those who have lost their lives from domestic violence. Yellow or beige stand for those who are battered or assaulted. Red, pink or orange are displayed in support of survivors of rape and/or sexual assault. Blue and green are for survivors of incest and childhood sexual abuse, while purple or lavender colors are displayed to support those attacked due to sexual orientation.

Lashley Moser, sexual assault prevention coordinator for EVE Inc., said this year's observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is different than previous years, due to the coronavirus.

"Usually, pizza shops let us bring flyers and every pizza that goes out into the homes has our flyers on that. Any population orders pizza; it's not targeted at anyone that may be looking for it," Moser said. "This year we're just trying to raise awareness with social media posts and share a lot of good information about the cycle of abuse and the patterns and what exactly it looks like."

Moser said she wants to make people aware of the warning signs of domestic violence, especially some of the less common signs.

"Domestic violence is a pattern, and so I think it's important to know that for one, it's not the victim or survivor's fault, and for two, often things do not just 'go away.' It may idle for a little bit before there may be an explosion," she said. "I just want people to know that there is help available. Our hotline is available 24/7, 365, and we offer shelter as well (along with) counseling and (other) things."

Moser said a majority of their clients are victims of some form of domestic violence which could be described as controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and sexually or physically violent behavior.

According EVE Inc. statistics, 109 people in Ohio died from domestic violence last year, which was a 35 percent spike.

"Another form of abuse that I feel like has been up on the rise (that) goes with the opioid crisis is pressuring or keeping someone addicted to substances. … It's extremely common. (If) two people (are) in a relationship and one of them wants to get clean and the other one is not respecting that, it's just the whole cycle again," Moser said.

For those who may feel trapped in their situation, Moser said if the victim can find a way to call EVE's hotline, their organization works closely to provide a safety plan for their protection.

"We're huge on safety planning. That may mean helping them get a list together of things they need to start gathering to keep elsewhere or a trusted place so that when they know they can leave, they have their documents and things," Moser said.

The hotline can be reached any day or time at 1-800-974-3111. EVE Inc. is also in need of donations since they weren't able to host their usual fundraisers this year. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 122, Marietta, OH 45750.

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