The display seemed harmless enough, t-shirts of all colors and sizes hung from a clothesline near the exit doors of the MPR, and with no one standing there to sign you up, you decide to take a closer look.

You read the first one, and then the next; the shirts are covered with harsh words and graphic drawings about violence, sorrow and death. There is a part of you that wants to walk away and put the images out of your mind, but the other part holds you and your emotions hostage. It's like covering your face while watching a horror film, only to find yourself parting your fingers to see what happens next. You keep reading.

What you experienced was The Clothesline Project, gut wrenching stories representing many forms of abuse which was on display two weeks ago in the MPR, and is returning in April.

The project began 18 years ago in Massachusetts when a small group of women found a way to air society's dirty laundry and bring the sad truth of domestic and sexual violence to the world.

The project has grown from the original 31 t-shirts to tens of thousands on display all over the U.S. and the world. The project continues to grow because so do the numbers. There were 48,102 cases of domestic violence reported to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs last year alone.

The Clothesline Project,"is one way we can help," said Laura Hedges, women's services manager in the Diversity and Equity Center. During a clothesline event t-shirts are available to make, but the process can be very emotional and difficult to start. It often takes time for someone to work through their pain and know what they want to say or draw. Helping victims name their pain is part of that process, informed Hedges, who has traveled all over Washington with EvCC's display for over 15 years. She has seen it begin the healing process for many victims and their families.

If you would like more information about The Clothesline Project or would like to participate in the April 2009 event, contact Laura Hedges at 425.388.9292.

If you are concerned about abuse in any relationship, here are some signs to watch for.

 The use of force or violence to "solve" problems.

 Abuse of animals, punching walls or throwing things.

 Abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

 Jealous of other relationships-even with friends and family.

 A need to know where you are at all times.

 Access to guns or knives and talk of using them on others.

 Physical force or being forced to do things you do not want to do.

 Are you scared?

Information from the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, www.ncadv.org

If you are in a relationship where you feel isolated, controlled, stuck or vulnerable, "It doesn't have to be that way," said Gina Myers, counselor in the Counseling, Advising and Career Center located in the Parks building. There are counselors available on a walk-in basis that have the information, resources and compassion to help.

If you are in danger and need immediate help, call the Snohomish County Center for Battered Women hotline at 425-25-Abuse, collect calls are accepted.