Silent Witnesses
Bearing Witness, Honoring Lives, Inspiring Change
Each year, in October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, communities come together to confront a difficult truth and honor those who have been lost. The Silent Witness Initiative is a national movement that began in 1990 with a powerful and simple goal: to make visible the tragic reality of domestic violence and to remember the lives of those who were killed.
The initiative features a powerful visual tribute: life-sized red silhouettes, each representing an individual whose life was ended by domestic violence. These figures are called the "Silent Witnesses" because they can no longer speak for themselves. However, by standing in our schools, businesses, and public spaces, they speak volumes. They serve as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and a call to action for all of us to work toward a world without violence.
This page is dedicated to promoting peace, healing, and responsibility in our communities. We invite you to join us in this vital work.
Educating Our Community
The Silent Witness Initiative is a movement to memorialize, raise awareness, and advocate for change. The Witnesses you may see throughout the month of October stand in silent testimony, reminding us of the real people—our neighbors, friends, and family members—who were taken too soon. Their stories are a powerful tool for education, helping us understand the prevalence and devastating impact of domestic violence. By displaying these figures, we encourage open dialogue and challenge the silence that often surrounds this issue.
Share a Story, Honor a Loved One
The stories of those we have lost are at the heart of the Silent Witness Initiative. We understand that this is a deeply personal and often painful journey. If you have lost a loved one to domestic violence, we invite you to share their story. By sharing, you are giving a voice to a Silent Witness and helping to ensure their memory is never forgotten. Your story is an act of love and remembrance, and it becomes a source of strength and inspiration for others. It helps us all recognize the profound human cost of violence and reinforces our collective commitment to prevention.
Share Your Loved One's Story Here
Host a Witness
Community organizations, businesses, places of worship, and schools play a crucial role in bringing the Silent Witness Initiative to life. By hosting a Silent Witness figure at your location during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you are making a bold statement that your organization stands against violence. You are helping to educate your customers, employees, and community members, and you are providing a public space for honoring the victims. This is a powerful and visible way to show your commitment to creating a safer and more compassionate community.
