Domestic violence and sexual assault are often hard topics to discuss, especially for victims. But the President’s Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) at Wayne State is providing victims and their supporters an opportunity for healing and self-expression.

As part of its outreach efforts, COSW will host several events in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

 “We want to educate people about domestic violence,” says Sara Byczek, COSW outreach committee chair and Counseling and Psychological Services counselor. “Often, people don’t think of themselves as being in an abusive relationship, especially if they are not physically harmed. They’re unaware of the different types of abuse.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to participate in the Clothesline Project, a national program started in 1990 to address the issue of violence against women. The project serves as a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. The shirts will be on display in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library throughout October.

The campus community will have an additional opportunity to pledge its support for anti-violence initiatives on Wednesday, Oct. 2, during the Banner Project.

“By putting their handprints on a banner, participants will create a visual statement against violence and declare that they will not use their hands to hurt another person,” Byczek says. 

For additional COSW events and initiatives, visit cosw.wayne.edu.