Silent Witness Honors Victims of Domestic Violence
On Friday, October 4, Providence House Domestic Violence Services, along with partners Rowan College at Burlington County and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, presented the Silent Witness Project to remember and celebrate the lives of Burlington County residents who have died as a result of domestic violence.
Bearing the names and circumstances of more than 30 individuals killed over the past 33 years in domestic violence situations, red silhouettes dotted the first floor of the Rowan College Student Success Center. Members of the law enforcement community, Rowan students and family members of the victims participated in the memorial program.
Director of Providence House Domestic Violence Services in Burlington County Michele Fesler said the problem of domestic abuse lives in every part of the county. As a community, residents can overcome domestic violence by holding abusers accountable and believing survivors’ stories. “Be part of the solution,” she encouraged. “And never give up striving for peace in all homes.”
The audience sat riveted as a survivor of domestic violence shared her story. The speaker, who endured physical and emotional abuse in her relationship for more than 27 years, said she finally found the courage to seek help a few years ago. Through group and individual counseling sessions, she said she has learned to live again. “My current therapist has been a lifesaver. The program at Providence House has changed my life.” She said she now has a future that is bright and filled with joy and happiness.
“The Silent Witness Project gives these victims a voice,” said Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw. “These victims are no longer silent. We speak their names. We remember their stories. We pledge to keep their memories alive.”
The Providence Domestic Violence Services team provides counseling, educational programs, legal advocacy and safe haven to survivors of domestic abuse in Burlington and Ocean County. These services are free of charge and confidential. If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour hotline. In Burlington County, call 1-877-871-7551 or 609-871-7551. In Ocean County call 800-246-8910 or 732-244-8259. For other counties in New Jersey call 1-800-572-7233.
For more information about Providence House click here: https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/domestic-violence-services/
To support the life-saving work being done through Providence House, you can donate here: https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/donate/
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