Post by lace on Oct 15, 2006 21:24:05 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Silent Witness: a vivid answer to domestic violence [/glow] 
[glow=red,2,300]With various events in Broward, Women in Distress and local advocates bear witness to victims for Domestic Violence Awareness Month[/glow].
BY JULIE LEVIN
All month long at Broward libraries, silent witnesses will give dramatic testimony to the horrors of domestic violence.
[glow=red,2,300]The Silent Witness, a life-size red silhouette, represents a person from Broward County who was killed in an act of domestic violence. Each one bears the name of a real victim and the chilling story of how they died. [/glow]
''It's really an opportunity to acknowledge those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence,'' said Shelia McCann, with Women in Distress of Broward County.
The exhibit includes men, women and children and is a startling example of the commitment of Women in Distress to end domestic and dating violence.
Although the memorial is not new, it is the first year the group extended it throughout the county by placing Silent Witnesses at several library branches and college campuses.
[glow=red,2,300]The memorial is part of a series of events to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October.[/glow]
The events pay tribute to those who have died and celebrates those who have survived. It also is geared to getting the message to the community.
''At every event, we talk about how everyone has an opportunity to stop domestic violence, we and provide information if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship,'' said McCann, who estimates that Women in Distress provided services to more than 1,200 domestic violence victims last year.
Events have included a 5K Safe Walk/Run at Markham Park, an Interfaith Community Breakfast and Forum on Domestic Violence, and a Mardi Gras Carnivale Gala fundraiser.
Other receptions, memorial services and a socio-drama are planned for later this month. Organizers also have asked members of the faith community to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month by incorporating the subject into their sermons.
Women in Distress is also hoping to battle domestic violence with its new Department for Social Change. Created in July, the inaugural group in Florida will work to promote healthy relationships and end domestic and dating violence.
McCann said the group's mission is to take a proactive approach, forming collaborations with corporations and others in the community. One area the group will focus on is the overlooked problem of teen dating violence. The idea is to get out in the community and create campaigns that will speak to young people.
''We're trying to create awareness throughout the entire county,'' said McCann, who heads the department.
To volunteer or get information, call 954-760-9800 or visit www.womenindistress.org. If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 954-761-1133 or the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 800-500-1119
www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/cities_neighborhoods/weston/15746060.htm
[glow=red,2,300]With various events in Broward, Women in Distress and local advocates bear witness to victims for Domestic Violence Awareness Month[/glow].
BY JULIE LEVIN
All month long at Broward libraries, silent witnesses will give dramatic testimony to the horrors of domestic violence.
[glow=red,2,300]The Silent Witness, a life-size red silhouette, represents a person from Broward County who was killed in an act of domestic violence. Each one bears the name of a real victim and the chilling story of how they died. [/glow]
''It's really an opportunity to acknowledge those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence,'' said Shelia McCann, with Women in Distress of Broward County.
The exhibit includes men, women and children and is a startling example of the commitment of Women in Distress to end domestic and dating violence.
Although the memorial is not new, it is the first year the group extended it throughout the county by placing Silent Witnesses at several library branches and college campuses.
[glow=red,2,300]The memorial is part of a series of events to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October.[/glow]
The events pay tribute to those who have died and celebrates those who have survived. It also is geared to getting the message to the community.
''At every event, we talk about how everyone has an opportunity to stop domestic violence, we and provide information if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship,'' said McCann, who estimates that Women in Distress provided services to more than 1,200 domestic violence victims last year.
Events have included a 5K Safe Walk/Run at Markham Park, an Interfaith Community Breakfast and Forum on Domestic Violence, and a Mardi Gras Carnivale Gala fundraiser.
Other receptions, memorial services and a socio-drama are planned for later this month. Organizers also have asked members of the faith community to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month by incorporating the subject into their sermons.
Women in Distress is also hoping to battle domestic violence with its new Department for Social Change. Created in July, the inaugural group in Florida will work to promote healthy relationships and end domestic and dating violence.
McCann said the group's mission is to take a proactive approach, forming collaborations with corporations and others in the community. One area the group will focus on is the overlooked problem of teen dating violence. The idea is to get out in the community and create campaigns that will speak to young people.
''We're trying to create awareness throughout the entire county,'' said McCann, who heads the department.
To volunteer or get information, call 954-760-9800 or visit www.womenindistress.org. If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 954-761-1133 or the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 800-500-1119
www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/cities_neighborhoods/weston/15746060.htm