LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2018) — A group of University of Kentucky students is taking a stand against violent crimes in hopes of creating a supportive environment for victims.
Students enrolled in Emily Bonistall Postel's Sociology 439: Victimology Class will be hosting the Clothesline Project on campus during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. The annual nationwide event helps promote visibility, education and action around the issues of interpersonal violence on campuses.
"This project takes the course material beyond the classroom walls by organizing an awareness campaign and event for the greater community at large," Bonistall Postel said. "The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about victimization and to stand in solidarity with survivors."
The project, which aims to create awareness on a sensitive topic, is not a class requirement. Project leader Ann Pitts is one of many passionate students who volunteered her time.
"As a survivor, giving support to other survivors is very important to me. Seeing other students make that a priority as well is something that deserves recognition." Pitts continued, "This class has dedicated themselves to supporting people they’ve never met before, they’ve just heard how they’re impacted. That takes character and I’m so proud to be a part of this group of students."
The class will hold drop-in hours, providing survivors a safe space to break their silence. Those personally affected by violence are invited to come by the Violence Intervention and Prevention *(VIP) Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, to design a T-shirt. Shirts and supplies will be provided.
“The VIP Center is excited to help support this student-led event. One of our main goals at the center is to validate survivors' experiences and give a voice back to those affected by violence. These amazing students are doing just that," said Director of the VIP Center Lindsey Blumenstein.
Students, faculty, staff and community members are also welcome to attend. They are encouraged to write survivor support statements that feature moving messages.
"It has been really important to our class to find a way to take action to help transform our current culture into one that believes and supports all survivors. The Clothesline Project became the perfect way to make this happen," said victimology student Brendan Matthews. "We hope to not only give these students a voice in changing the world, but to also aid them in their healing process."
There will be another opportunity to write inspirational phrases on Wednesday, March 28. The UK Police Department will be sponsoring the event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the White Hall Classroom Building lawn.
“Our hope is that the Clothesline Project not only raises awareness of abuse and demonstrates community-wide support for survivors, but also deepens the level of trust and understanding between victims and our officers," UKPD Chief Joe Monroe said.
On April 12, the shirts and notes will be displayed in public view as testimony of assault and abuse. There will be a formal program from 5-6 p.m., in the Jacobs Science Building courtyard, with special remarks from Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear. President Eli Capilouto and other administration plan to show support in the project by attending the event as well.
This is the second time Beshear will visit Bonistall Postel's victimology students. Last year he presented the class with the first-place prize in the #VoiceofJustice video contest.
This is the first year the class is participating in the Clothesline Project. The goal is to educate students and the community that violence is a problem everywhere, and help is available.
Any questions can be directed to Bonistall Postel at emily.postel@uky.edu
