Organizations Work to Break the Silence

SRVC

Silent Witness Initiative presented by the NWA Women's Shelter in partnership with Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center, Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program of the Veteran's Administration and Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The Silent Witness Initiative — presented by the NWA Women's Shelter in partnership with Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center, Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program of the Veteran's Administration and Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence — memorializes victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Life-size, red silhouettes will be displayed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Fulbright Peace Fountain with access to the tragic stories behind each one. These representations stand as "Silent Witnesses" to the dangers of domestic abuse and the impact it can have on families, communities and Arkansas.

"Our goal is to honor those who have lost their lives to abuse and violence, while also offering hope and resources to anyone else who may be currently experiencing or affected by domestic violence," stated Elaine Jackson, interim executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter.

Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert, director of the Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center, said, "Partnering with NWAWS and others provides an opportunity to reach greater across the community about an important matter that does not always get the attention of other issues on college campuses. Silent Witness gives voice to the voiceless, with the goal of empowering others to find their voice against domestic violence."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Listed on the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, 40.8 percent of Arkansas women and 34.8 percent of Arkansas men experience intimate partner physical violence and/or intimate partner sexual violence in their lifetimes. Arkansas domestic violence homicides for 2022 are listed at 45 total deaths, with 23 women, 15 men, seven children and 18 intimate partner violence.

Several community and campus organizations will be onsite at the Silent Witness Initiative display to provide education and resources. Learn and help break the silence about domestic violence.