The Clothesline Project, thanks to a global pandemic is going virtual this year.

It’s part of the annual observance of domestic violence awareness month.

Facebook Live Clothesline projects began on Monday and will continue on Thursday, October 29 and Saturday, October 31. 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. It’s a chilling reminder of the horrors of domestic violence and a reminder of why we should not remain silent.

And this year, the crisis is aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fearless! Hudson Valley Inc. (formerly known as Safe Homes of Orange County) has seen a 42.55 percent increase in domestic violence calls during COVID-19, according to Executive Director Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier. The number of calls between April 1 and August 31 of this year (3,906) is nearly double from the same time period in 2019 (2,019).

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.

Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes -- it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it.

Since the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, we’ve come a long way. This landmark legislation, led by then Senator Joe Biden, combined new provisions that hold offenders accountable and provide programs and services for victims. Between 1993 and 2010, the overall rate of domestic violence dropped nearly two-thirds and state laws have been reformed to address issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, stalking, employment discrimination and more.

Every October, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle. The Clothesline Project is one reminder.

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence, or know of someone that needs help, but may be afraid to seek it out, there is help available. Orange County residents can call 845-562-5340. In Ulster County, Family of Woodstock offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 338-2370.There is also a National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.