Clothesline project a testament to the bravery of family violence survivors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2017.

Family violence survivors will be taking a stand through art, decorating t-shirts that will be hung out around Gippsland next week as part of the region’s sixth annual Clothesline Project.

The t-shirts, decorated by women who have taken part in Quantum Support Services

Inspiring Women’s Group, will be displayed in the Mid-Valley Shopping Centre and libraries in Warragul, Wonthaggi, Leongatha, Sale and Bairnsdale during the Week Without Violence from October 16 to 20.

The project is a partnership between the Gippsland Community Legal Service (GCLS) and Quantum Support Services.

Gippsland Community Legal Service Principal Lawyer Kate Windmill said Latrobe City had Victoria’s highest rate of family violence in 2016-17, of more than 3376 family violence incidents per 100,000 people.

“The Clothesline Project is a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a t-shirt,’’ she said.

“These t-shirts are then hung on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women.”

The Inspiring Women’s group run by Quantum Support Services, is an eight-week support program which covers a range of issues relating to family violence.

“During one of the sessions each woman has the opportunity to paint a t-shirt,’’ Ms Windmill said.

“It is the process of designing their t-shirt that gives each woman a voice with which to expose an often horrific experience that has dramatically altered the course of her life.”

Gippsland Community Legal Service provides a free and confidential service to people experiencing family violence through our offices in Morwell and Bairnsdale and outreach services in Warragul, Wonthaggi, and Mallacoota. You can make an appointment to speak to a lawyer either face-to-face or over the phone.

GCLS Principal Lawyer, Kate Windmill said, “Even before taking court action, it is vital for anyone in our community, who has experienced family violence or who fears future violence, to know that free and confidential legal help is available”.

People who need legal advice can contact the service on 1800 004 402 or visit www.gcls.org.au

Gippsland Community Legal Service is a program of Anglicare Victoria.

 

Further enquiries contact:

Media and Communications.  media@anglicarevic.org.au  Tel: 0419 035 117

 

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