Display making it's way around the state

Sequoyahcountytimes.com | Domestic violence display will be at library Oct. 3

The Oklahoma Silent Witness Initiative 2006 will be traveling across Oklahoma during October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The display will be in Sallisaw from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Deena Franke, Help-In-Crisis executive director, said the display of over 200 life-sized silhouettes will be set up on the lawn at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library. The silhouettes represent those who were murdered in domestic violence situations.

Franke said, "The Silent Witness Project is a national initiative to honor those individuals who were murdered by current or former intimate partners. Each silhouette represents someone who once lived, worked and had friends and family before death. Each person was someone's child, neighbor or sibling. In turn, each of us is affected by domestic violence."

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault maintains the Oklahoma Silent Witness Initiative and coordinates displays across the state.

Sallisaw is the second stop on the tour after the display is shown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Old Courthouse Square in Tahlequah. From Sallisaw the display will go to Wagoner, Claremore, Tulsa, Okmulgee, El Reno, Alva, Woodward, Ada, Madill, Ardmore, Marietta, Oklahoma City, Stigler, Muskogee, Shawnee, Norman and Altus.

Franke said, "The Oklahoma Silent Witness initiative honors more than 200 individuals ranging in age from three months to 77 years. Men, women and children are represented. Each died violently at the hand of someone who was supposed to love them.

For more information contact Help-In-Crisis at 775-3300