Orange County and Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) by hosting the Clothesline Project at the County’s Government Center on Friday, October 1.

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, District Attorney David Hoovler, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller all attended the event.

“The Clothesline Project is a powerful and sobering reminder of the devastating impact that domestic violence has in our communities,” Neuhaus said. “The project also allows us to show our support for domestic violence victims and their families. The County is honored to host this important and meaningful and moving event, and we will continue to assist Fearless! and domestic violence victims, using all of our community’s available resources and programs.”

The Clothesline Project is comprised of T-shirts made by survivors of domestic violence or in honor of someone who has been a victim of violence. It not only promotes awareness, but also helps the healing process for victims and those who have lost a loved one to violence.

According to Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director of Fearless!, the Government Center is one of the best locations to accommodate the full display of more than 650 T-shirts handmade by individuals.

Domestic violence statistics are alarming. One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime. On average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. Since September of 2004, 25 individuals have been murdered by their husbands or intimate partners in Orange County, and two women are missing but presumed dead, according to Fearless!

Fearless! provides free therapeutic counseling, support groups, legal services, advocacy, shelter, and other forms of support to victims of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking, and gives training to agencies, schools, businesses, law enforcement, and individuals regarding domestic violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking. If you or someone you know may be a victim, please call the Fearless! 24-hour hotline at 845-562-5340.