Rowan Flamm, staff psychologist with VA Butler Healthcare, says the Clothesline Project on display at the VA this week provides a way for sexual trauma survivors to have a voice.

BUTLER TWP — “Betrayed by my own uniform.”

That’s how one military sexual trauma survivor described how that person felt after a sexual attack. That message along with several others are painted on T-shirts that are on display this week at VA Butler Healthcare’s Primary Care Waiting Area.

Called the Clothesline Project, each T-shirt displays a story of how a sexual trauma survivor has felt after a trauma or in support of a loved one who has been assaulted.

Another survivor chronicled that person’s transition from victim to survivor and to advocate on a T-shirt, bringing about an empowering message.

Those who made the shirts are provided treatment at VA Butler Healthcare but remain anonymous.

Rowan Flamm, staff psychologist and military sexual trauma coordinator, said having the information in public provides a way for survivors to have a voice.

“It gives survivors a space to do something,” Flamm said. “We don’t talk about it enough.”

The purpose of the display is to increase awareness of the impact of violence on women and men, to celebrate the strength of survivors and to provide another avenue to “break the silence” regarding sexual assault, childhood abuse and physical violence.

Teal ribbons also are painted on several of the shirts, representing military sexual trauma awareness.

The display at VA Butler Healthcare, which is in its third year, will be up from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday.

Pamphlets about military sexual trauma also are available.