From left, Nisha Cirino, Ingrid Garces, Suner Rojas, Nadia Raymond, Galya Kamenova, Pivel Morton, Martha Hernandez and Cecilia Douglas

At Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center (SJPHC), staff are showing support for survivors of intimate partner violence with a T-shirt display for the month of October.

As part of the larger, nationwide Clothesline Project, the shirts, which adorn the center’s walls, feature hand-written messages of support, love and commitment.

Nisha Cirino, MSW, LCSW, Passageway advocate, coordinates the project each year in collaboration with multiple departments and staff at SJPHC in honor of Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month.

“My hope is to continue to bring attention to the reality of violence in our society,” she said. “I want patients, employees and community members to know that, as a health care institution, we stand with survivors and that we are committed to creating an environment that honors the stories and integrity of all people affected by intimate partner violence.”

The shirts on display at SJPHC were designed by survivors in the Brigham’s Passageway program, which provides services, resources and support to improve the health, well-being and safety of those experiencing abuse from an intimate partner.

“We display these messages to affirm that we care about survivors,” said Cirino. “The words of healing also demonstrate that people are not alone in this experience.”

To keep the spotlight on this important issue, Cirino also shares daily messages of “love, support and commitment – to each other and to ourselves” with the SJPHC team each day from colleagues at the center and throughout the Brigham in support of this work.

“These messages touch on the experience of surviving intentional violence and the voices and sentiments we want survivors to hear,” she said. “This encourages an open dialogue and supportive environment.”

Nadia Raymond, PhD(c), MSN, MHA, RN, nursing director for Southern Jamaica Plain, was among those who shared a message in recognition of all who have suffered from intentional violence.

She wrote:

I see you, in the sun and cannot imagine what it was like for you when you were in the dark.

I see you, and cry for you when no one knew of your pain or understood your reality.

I see glimpses of what was, and what Is as you continually fight and conquer for self and others.

I see you, advocating and guiding others to the light

I see you, as you found your voice and help others to find theirs while screaming I AM WITH YOU and FOR YOU.

I see you, thriving, strong and confident leaving the darkness behind.

I see you, and remain at awe of the wonder of you.

I see you, and want you to know how grateful I am for you and for the way you continue to rise.