WINNEMUCCA - This month, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month, Winnemucca Domestic Violence services will be displaying a local model of the Silent Witness Exhibit.
The Silent Witness Exhibit is a national initiative to end domestic violence. It was first created in 1990 by a group of concerned artists and writers in Minnesota. The original display included 26 red, life-sized silhouettes. Each silhouette represented one of the 25 domestic violence related homicides to have occurred that year. A 26th silhouette was also created to represent the victims whose cases were unsolved. The story of each woman was carved into a breast plate and fastened to the chest of each silhouette.
Today, all 50 states have created their own Silent Witness Exhibit. Until this month, Nevada's Silent Witness Exhibit was displayed at the Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence office. Recently, the Nevada Network has been forced to downsize and has been searching for a new home for this display.
Fortunately, the Nevada silhouettes have found a new home with Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services. This year, WDVS has refinished the silhouettes to depict a black shadow for use during the "Providing a Light Vigil & Banquet", held October 5. Each silhouette displays a survivor's story to share the diverse needs of victims and the individualized supports offered through Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services.
The Silent Witness Exhibit will be on display in the WDVS lobby throughout October. For a chance to experience this powerful collection, please visit the WDVS office at 50 A Melarkey Street. If you are interested in displaying this exhibit, please contact the WDVS office 625-1313.
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