Silent Witness Project Honors Victims Of Domestic Violence In Burlington County

A recent ceremony at Rowan College at Burlington County honored the lives of those who were killed at the hands of a family member or loved one. Those in an abusive relationship or situation were also encouraged to reach out for help.

The ceremony, known as “The Silent Witness Project,” featured several life-sized silhouettes that represented citizens of Burlington County who were killed during incidents of domestic violence, and included a message from a survivor. It took place on Friday, Oct. 6.

The ceremony, held every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is co-sponsored by Providence House Domestic Violence Services, along with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, Rowan College at Burlington County, Soroptimist of Burlington County and Servicios Latinos de Burlington County.

The Providence House offers services for victims of domestic abuse and their children, free of charge. “The Silent Witness Project” began in 1990 in Minnesota when a group of artists created an exhibit of life-sized silhouettes, each representing a murdered victim of domestic violence in their state. Since then, it has become a nationwide effort to honor victims lost due to acts of domestic violence.

“On this 10th anniversary of the Silent Witness Project in Burlington County, our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the many individuals who lost their lives to violence,” Providence House Associate Director Mary Pettrow said. “But this event has two goals, so while we grieve for those who lost their lives to violence, we also join together in our commitment to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.”

"Domestic violence continues to be an issue that does not discriminate. It is like a malignant disease which if not treated could destroy a life,” Servicios Latinos de Burlington County Executive Director Angela Mateo Gonzalez said. “I want to encourage victims to seek help and know that they are not alone. Even when everything appears dark and hopeless - there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Rowan College at Burlington County officials said the school is honored to be able to help draw attention to this issue and assist in providing services.

“Rowan College at Burlington County offers our support to anyone whose life has been affected by domestic violence, and joins the Silent Witness Project in honoring those who have tragically lost their lives,” Rowan College at Burlington County Acting President Michael Cioce said. “RCBC provides a number of resources to our community and we encourage victims or witnesses of abusive relationships to reach out to us at any time.”

There were 61,659 domestic violence offenses reported in New Jersey in 2015, which is the most recent year for which statistics are available, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. That number represents a 1 percent decrease from 2014. Of those victims in New Jersey in 2015, 49 were killed, compared with 42 the previous year.

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said his office will continue to take an aggressive stance toward domestic violence offenders.

“The Silent Witness Project reminds us that we not only have the ability, but also an obligation, to seek out those who are being victimized and say to them, ‘There is help. We are here for you. You are not alone and you do not have to be abused any longer,’” Coffina said. “I am encouraged that as a society we have brought this scourge out from behind closed doors and into the public eye where we can declare that it is unacceptable, and where victims can seek help without shame.”

Anyone who is being abused or knows someone who is being abused is encouraged to call the Providence House domestic violence hotline at 1- 877-871-7551.

Attached image provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office