SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- If you pass through the student center on OCC's campus, you can't help but notice the t-shirts that are hanging up. But this isn't a tag sale or some college student's clever way of doing laundry. The shirts are there to send a message about sexual violence.

"This allows a very visible depiction of that of that experience, of that healing. So it's incredibly important for us to be able to provide that for survivors," said OCC associate VP of student services Stephanie Reynolds.

Part of the Vera House's Clothesline Project, the shirts were made by victims of sexual assault or supporters of someone who was abused. The project is part of an international effort to educate people about the impact of sexual violence.

Reynolds says the victims who made the shirts did so in a private gathering.

"We do it in a discreet location so they're feeling comfortable in sharing their story. And they have contemplation time of what exactly they want to depict on that t-shirt," said Reynolds.

A table was also set up near the shirts display for people to pick up bracelets or information about sexual assault.

Counseling services were also provided when the victims made the shirts, because for some it was the first time they expressed themselves since the incident.

"As people are making those shirts the emotions rise up very quickly, it's more a process. It's more a I'm at this point where I am ready to have my story be heard but it may be the first time that I'm actually putting that down anywhere or having anyone share that," Reynolds said.

The t-shirts will be on display Thursday and Friday at the student center and are just one of many events going on all month to promote sexual assault awareness.