Orange County Will Host the Clothesline Project

GOSHEN – Orange County and Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. will recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) by hosting the Clothesline Project outside of the County’s Government Center on October 1st.

The Clothesline Project will be on display from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on October 1st, and then move to other locations in Orange and Sullivan County.

“The Clothesline Project is a powerful and sobering reminder of the devastating impact that domestic violence has had in our communities,” Neuhaus said. “It also allows us to show our support for domestic violence victims and their families. The County is honored to host the Clothesline Project and we will continue to assist Fearless! and domestic violence victims in any way we can, using all of our community’s available resources and programs.”

The Clothesline Project is comprised of T-shirts made by survivors of domestic violence or in honor of someone who has been a victim of violence. It not only promotes awareness, but also helps the healing process for victims and those who have lost a loved one to violence.

According to Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director of Fearless!, the Government Center is the best location to accommodate the full display of more than 650 T-shirts handmade by individuals.

“Every single one of us knows someone who has been a victim,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “The clothesline continues to be a visual display of the impact domestic violence has on victims, their families, and our communities. The only way to enhance the safety of victims and their children and to hold those who use abusive behaviors accountable is to work together. Fearless! is grateful for the support of County Executive Neuhaus and the other leaders in Orange County.”

Domestic violence statistics are alarming. One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime. On average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. Since September of 2004, 25 individuals have been murdered by their husbands or intimate partners in Orange County, and two women are missing but presumed dead, according to Fearless!

In 2020, Fearless! answered 10,096 hotline calls, (an increase of 26.7 percent from 2019), sheltered 37 adults and 26 children, provided 4,102 bed nights in its emergency shelter, and served 3,325 clients and 1,983 children through all its programs. Fearless! advocates provided 13,806 Supportive Counseling Services to individual victims and survivors, creating 5,714 individualized safety plans. Fearless! advocates provided 29,945 advocacy services that included court accompaniment, support with legal, social services, housing, immigration, employment, education, and economic empowerment.

Fearless! provides free therapeutic counseling, support groups, legal services, advocacy, and other forms of support to victims of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking, and gives training to agencies, schools businesses, law enforcement, and individuals regarding domestic violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking. If you or someone you know may be a victim, please call the Fearless! 24-hour hotline at 845-562-5340.