The Clothesline Project increases awareness of the impact of violence against women. She added that the process of making a shirt for the Project helps the healing process for people who have lost a loved one or who are survivors of this violence. White shirts are for women who have died from acts of violence against them. Yellow or beige shirts represent women who have been battered or assaulted. Red, pink or orange shirts represent women who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
Black shirts represent victims of gang rape.
Blue or green shirts signify women who are survivors of incest or child sexual abuse. Purple or lavender represents women who have been attacked because they are lesbian or are perceived to be lesbian. Grey is symbolic of attacks due to race, color or creed. The color code is not mandatory if a different color or pattern has a special significance for the victim. Shirts for a survivor should be submitted by the survivor herself.