Domestic Violence is often referred to as a 'hidden crisis'. The intimate nature of the crime shrouds the act of it in layers of access. One cannot tell from the outside when a victim is suffering. Furthermore, victims often have their power and control taken away from them. They are screaming, but no sound escapes.

A victim finds the strength to take the first step out of the situation. They make a call or look up a shelter that could help. That is how they often find Sylvia's Place. We are here as a first-order resource for those escaping intimate-partner violence.

After walking through our housing and resource process, while have a safe place to rebuild their lives, victims leave Sylvia's Place as survivors, ready for the next step in their life. Now, they have taken back control for themselves.

It is in this moment, we ask the survivors if they would like to write on a shirt for the Clothesline Project. By marking their words on a shirt, survivors have the chance to excise their demons, reclaim their voice, and share their story.

As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor the shirts during the entire month. This year, the Clothesline Project was hosted around Allegan City.

It's first stop was City Hall from Oct 6th - 13th. The City of Allegan offered its lobby, with the window space in front of Trowbridge Street.

The next stop was the entrance hall to the City Police Department. In conjunction with the Clothesline Project, we also planted flags to a portion of the clients we serviced in the past year.

The Clothesline Project was next hosted by the Allegan District Library. They graciously offered their Community Art wall.

Finally, rounding out the month, our Clothesline Project settles in the Sheriff County Department.

Thank you to City Hall, the City Police, the Library, and Sheriff's Office for hosting the Clothesline Project this year!

Thank you to all who saw the Clothesline Project!