T-shirts honoring victims of sexual assault were pinned to a clothesline in front of the Sloss House Wednesday in an effort to promote awareness of sexual violence.

The Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support, Story County’s Sexual Assault Response Team and the ISU Women’s Center teamed up to present the Clothesline Project as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“Historically this has been done since 1990 and since 1998 here in Ames,” said Penny Rice, director of the Women’s Center. “We bring this display out just once a year because it seems to make the impact more powerful.”

Rice said the message should be very clear and important for those who made the shirts and those who come to look at the display.

“Creating the shirts takes a victim out of the `victim’ mentality and makes them have the `survivor’ mentality,” Rice said. “Taking action will move the victims and empower them by getting their message out.”

Rice said the display can have a powerful effect.

“Even just seeing the number of T-shirts can be a very moving experience,” she said.

“It can really hit the male population and make them completely aware that this is going on.”

People who stopped by could look at the T-shirts and brochures that were placed outside, or purchase an awareness pin for $2.

Rice said proceeds from the pins will go toward the purchase of more colposcopes, which are examination equipment used to detect evidence of sexual assault.

Jessica Mugge, freshman in psychology, is a volunteer for the Sloss House, and was outside giving information to those who passed by.

“Although I personally haven’t had any experience with assault, I know the problem is very prevalent and something we need to make everyone aware of, not just women,” Mugge said. “A lot of people have stopped by here today, the display is very noticeable and powerful, and it really works an emotional appeal.”

The Clothesline Project will be on display on several high school campuses in the area this April, including Nevada High School Friday, Ames High School April 16 and Boone High School April 22.