'True Life' exhibit raises domestic violence awareness

According to the United States Department of Justice, there are five types of domestic violence: physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse.

It is easy to forget that not all cases only harm one person or victim at a time. Not only is the victim affected, but also the abuser, family, friends, children, co-workers and other witnesses.

The exhibit, True Life: My Experience With Domestic Violence aims to let those who attend experience what survivors face on a daily basis. There will be survivor art and poetry for viewing and reading. It will be held it the Student Center on Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Assailant art is also another interesting form added to the event.

“Assailant art are works created by individuals who have committed acts of domestic violence,” said Ellen Collier, event coordinator and director of the Women’s Resource Center

There will also be children’s art, silent witnesses art and a presentation from the Clothesline Project.

The Clothesline project is practiced throughout the country and allows those involved with domestic violence to create a t-shirt that tells their story.

“The Clothesline Project is a way for individuals affected by violence to share their experiences with others in an artistic way,” Collier said.

Safehorizon.org states that 1 out of 4 women experiences domestic violence at least once in her lifetime. With numbers like these there is no such thing as enough awareness.

Join the Eastern Michigan University community in the Student Center in room 310 on Oct. 21 to hear the stories of survivors and to raise awareness for women everywhere.