Alpha Chi Omega sorority’s philanthropy efforts turned a lot of heads this past week as the sorority, in conjuncture with Peer Educators, displayed the “Pantyline Project” under the grape arbor.

Dozens of pairs of underwear and undergarments were strung from one end of the arbor to the other. The articles of clothing had stories or messages written on them from women who were victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Students were allowed to write their own thoughts on a pair of paper underwear and hang them up on the line.

Junior Emily Hoehn is the president of Peer Educators and a member Alpha Chi Omega. She said the underwear came from the GaDuGi SafeCenter. The victims at the facility made the garments as a part of their therapy.

The GaDuGi SafeCenter is affiliated with the Women’s Transitional Care Services of Lawrence.

"My main goal is to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual abuse," Hoehn said.<br/>Hoehn said their original plan was to do the "Clothesline Project," where instead of underwear with messages, T-shirts were to be displayed.Hoehn said their original plan was to do the "Clothesline Project," where instead of underwear with messages, T-shirts were to be displayed.
Hoehn said their original plan was to do the “Clothesline Project,” where instead of underwear with messages, T-shirts were to be displayed.

“I think this project will have more of an impact because some of these pieces have things like ‘this is not an invitation’ written on them,” Hoehn said.

Hoehn said it might be tougher for students to open up about abuse on a small campus like Baker, but the counseling center on campus is making it easier for students to come forward and talk about issues.

“If something were to happen, we want to let those people to know that they are not alone,” Hoehn said.

Senior Stephanie Brockmann, vice president of fraternity relations of Alpha Chi Omega, is in charge of all philanthropic events regarding the sorority. Brockmann said the “Pantyline Project” is a branch of the “Clothesline Project” and is geared more toward sexual abuse rather than domestic violence.

Brockmann agrees the main point of the display is to raise awareness, but also to educate students on the damages and lasting effects of this kind of abuse.

"We want to do our part to stop domestic violence and sexual abuse," Brockmann said.<br/>Freshman Lauren Breithaupt said she believes abuse could happen anywhere, even on a small campus such as Baker.Freshman Lauren Breithaupt said she believes abuse could happen anywhere, even on a small campus such as Baker.
Freshman Lauren Breithaupt said she believes abuse could happen anywhere, even on a small campus such as Baker.

“I think it (the “Pantyline Project”) will gain a lot of awareness because it is not something you see everyday,” Breithaupt said.