Page 71 - July ONLINE VERSION

SPECIAL AWARENESS Against Women Act to the Violent Crime Control and Law En- Education
SILENT WITNESS forcement Act of 1994. Abuse is intergenerational. It passes from

SILENT WITNESS
one generation to the next. A young man
By Dr. Sheri Kennan: University of Memphis (CCCR) Lambuth Campus In 2021, domestic violent acts against women, children, and men who was abused as a child and doesn't find
have grown to epidemic proportions. Today, 1 in 3 women world-
a safe place to heal and process his trauma
By Tammy Yosich and April Riddle, ZGP Intern wide and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence or intimate is likely to mistreat his intimate partners
partner violence. However, these are the numbers we know mentally, emotionally, or physically. The
because nearly 50% of victims never report these crimes. Domes- acceptance of violent behavior as normal as
tic violence continues to hold a stigma and begs questions from a child can also cause a college age woman
outsiders. "Why do you stay?" "Is it really that bad? You are well to believe she caused her angry boyfriend
provided for?" Male victims perhaps may experience more stig- to lash out. Thus, securing her silence and
ma than female victims. In American society, males are expected removing her will to leave a bad relation-
to be solid and sufficient providers, protectors, and fear of being ship.
ridiculed or appearing less than prevents many male victims from
reporting abuse. In this vein, women, more so than men, will seek Violence also surprises folks who came
help. Thus, it is essential to bring awareness that help – without from solid loving homes, and find them-
judgment or stigma – is available to all victims of domestic vio- selves afraid, embarrassed, and unsure of
lence. how they got into such a mess or how to
get out. Physical wounds heal with time,
Everything is often connected. Adverse Childhood Experiences but the impact abuse has on the mind and

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Jus- artists and writers, upset about the growing number (ACEs) have a tremendous impact on future violence victimiza- emotion is enormous and does not heal or
tice, The Center for Community Criminology and of women in Minnesota murdered by their partners tion and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. For go away without acknowledgement and "
Research (CCCR), and The Justice League (CJSA), in or acquaintances, joined together with several other example, the bullied becomes the bully, or the child who experi- rewiring”. An exchange in response patterns
partnership with the University of Memphis, Com- women's organizations to form Arts Action Against enced sexual assault may turn toward promiscuity to obtain love through self-care and some sort of counsel-
munity Fund Grant, has placed ten (10) red life-size Domestic Violence. They felt an urgency to do some- and affection. The vulnerability among those with ACEs can cre- ing or recovery.
silent witness silhouettes at various spots through- thing that would speak out against the escalating do- ate opportunities for abuse, neglect, and violence. Some women
out the University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus. mestic violence in their state, something that would become 'consumable products' for sex traffickers and more likely Resources
Each silhouette represents an adult female, pregnant commemorate the lives of the 26 women whose lives to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with a degrading lifestyle. With a combination of the three R’s,
adult female, adult male, a child, and an adult in a were lost in 1990 due to domestic violence. Similarly, while a child may not have been harmed physically but Resilience, Relationship and
wheelchair to inclusively represent a victim who once After much brainstorming, they decided to create witnessed domestic violence in the home can have the same im- Resources, change is possible! Families
lived, worked, and played amongst us here in the 26 free-standing, life-sized red wooden figures, each pact on their brain development. Building Strong Brains explains that suffer through violent outbursts are
Jackson-Madison County, Tennessee area. They were one bearing the name of a woman who once lived, how the brain is altered by being a victim of abuse or witnessing some of the most intuitive, resourceful
daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, husbands, children, worked, had neighbors, friends, family, children-- violence as a young child. & resilient folks you'll ever come across.
friends, neighbors, and employees. whose life ended violently at the hands of a husband, They must be in order to survive! They also
ex-husband, partner, or acquaintance. A twenty-sev- There is hope to all who suffer and recovery before victims be- depend on these things to function in work,
Working with the Safe Hope Center, Jennifer McCraw enth figure was added to represent those uncounted come silenced forever. Hope lies in education, awareness, and school and in community relationships
provided stories of Jackson/Madison County victims women whose murders went unsolved or erroneously advocacy. A meaningful action anyone can take is, "See Some- while covering the chaos that's going on at
who have lost their lives due to domestic homicide. ruled accidental. The organizers called the figures the thing, Say Something." It is better to err on the side of cau- home.
Because these victims no longer have a voice, the Silent Witnesses. tion than pull to the side of the road for an unnecessary funeral
silhouettes are called silent witnesses and speaking procession. We all have the power to save a life. Once someone acknowledges life is unman-
volumes about the epidemic of domestic violence. In the 1970s, long before domestic violence became ageable, they want change, and seek help,
The Silent Witness Initiative provides education and a national and international issue, individual Junior The Silent Witness program brings awareness to those who have those skills can be turned towards growth
supports the end of domestic violence through com- Leagues created programs to protect women and not been personally impacted by domestic violence and may not and healing. This is made possible through
munity-based exhibits. children. In the 1980s, with growing governmen- be aware it is an issue that touches every age, race, gender, and engaging with folks that have common
tal awareness of the issue, Junior League members social and economic background. The Silent Witness program hobbies, interests and beliefs who model
The Silent Witness program is a national initiative testified before Congressional Committees. In the also provides education and the opportunity for the distribution healthy relationships. Counseling and re-
aimed at promoting peace, healing, and responsibili- 1990s, many Junior Leagues joined the Silent Witness of resources. May we be encouraged as a community to recognize covery programs are equally as helpful.
ty in adult relationships to eliminate domestic vio- National Initiative. The Initiative raised awareness signs and symptoms of unhealth in ourselves and others. Then
lence homicides. In 1990, an ad hoc group of women in Congress and led to the addition of the Violence speak up, seek help, and put an end to cycles of violence. See page 59 for Links to Resources

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