The Clothesline Project originated in 1990 when members of the Cape Cod Women's Agenda hung a clothesline across the Village Green in Hyannis, Massachusetts with 31 shirts made by survivors of assault, rape, and child sexual abuse. Each shirt serves as a personal testimony, and a color-coded system is often used to represent different forms of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and violence related to sexual orientation or gender identity. By publicly "airing" these stories, the project breaks the silence surrounding abuse and fosters a deeper understanding of its impact. The public nature of the display invites viewers to engage with these stories, fostering empathy and encouraging action against violence. The Clothesline Project is a testament to resilience and solidarity, transforming pain into advocacy and awareness.