• 647 Locust Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812
Services

First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, Inc.

Welcome to First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, Inc. , a United Way Agency. First Step helps families who are dealing with violence and offers many services to help out. Our Office is located at 647 Locust Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812. We hope that you take advantage of the wealth of resources throughout our site.

The Clothesline Project

The Clothesline Project

Discover the impact of The Clothesline Project, a visual display that gives voice to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Each shirt tells a personal story, allowing victims and their loved ones to share their experiences. This project honors affected individuals, fosters healing, raises awareness, and connects communities. Join us in airing society's dirty laundry and learn how colors symbolize survivors' experiences. Explore the messages behind each shirt and become part of a movement that educates and empowers.

Mission Statement

To promote safety to victims of violence through education, counseling, advocacy and shelter when needed to any person suffering the effects of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. To promote non-violent behavior by educating the perpetrators of violence.

The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to the violence against victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Each shirt is decorated to represent a particular victim’s experience, by the survivor or by someone who cares about the victim. The concept: Let victims tell their own stories, in their own unique ways, and hang it out for all to see. It is a way of airing society’s dirty laundry.

The purpose of this project is fourfold:

  1. To bear witness to the survivors and victims of domestic violence & sexual assault.
  2. To help with the healing process for people who have lost a loved one or are survivors of this violence.
  3. To educate, document, and raise society’s awareness of the extent of the problem of domestic violence & sexual assault.
  4. To provide a nationwide network for other communities starting their own Clothesline Projects.

What the colors represent:

  1. White – for those who have died of violence
  2. Yellow or Beige – for those who have been battered or assaulted
  3. Red, Pink or Orange – for those who have been raped or sexually assaulted
  4. Blue or Green – for survivors of incest or child sexual abuse
  5. Purple or Lavender – for those attacked because of their sexual orientation
  6. Pillow Cases – also for survivors of child sexual assault

* Other colors of personal meaning to the decorator may be used

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