1 in 4.

Denton County Friends of the Family is committed to honoring the 1 in 4 women who are victims of domestic violence.

In 1990, the Silent Witness Initiative was established. What was once a small project is now an international tribute to those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence.

Silent Witnesses take the form of red silhouettes, each telling the story of a woman who has tragically lost her life. It is the hope that women may become healers and help other victims while also finding hope for themselves, others, and perpetrators.

"The Silent Witnesses started to take on a life of their own. People involved with the project came to experience the figures reverentially. The murdered women became real to them, their spirits touching them. When they carried them from trucks to exhibit spaces, they felt they were carrying their stories. When they "hugged" them in order to fit them into their stands, they were reminded of how much love each of them needed. They had come alive for them. But they were all dead. And that is the reason for this project." -The Silent Witness National Initiative

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Denton County Friends of the Family organized a candlelight vigil to honor the 136 women who were killed by domestic violence in the state of Texas last year, each represented by a Silent Witness.

The Silent Witness Initiative seeks to promote peace healing and responsibility in adult relationships in order to eliminate domestic murders in the United states by the year 2020.

To learn more about the Silent Witness Initiative, please visit http://www.silentwitness.net/

To request a silent witness to be delivered to your business, please visit https://friendsofthefamily.kindful.com/register/silent-witnesses-2017

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Denton County Friends of the Family is dedicated to working to end violence against women and their children.

What is Domestic Violence?

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence includes behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Know The Facts

About Denton County Friends of the Family

Denton County Friends of the Family is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while partnering with our community to promote safety, hope, healing, justice, and prevention. This #DVAM, our goal is to increase awareness and educate our community so we can all stand together and ensure that those affected by domestic violence have a voice and they are heard. We accomplish this through community events and activities celebrating our community coming together, celebrating survivors and those who work to end domestic violence, while also mourning the loss of those who have died due to domestic violence.

How Can You Help?

There are tons of ways to get involved this month. Whether you're attending an event, volunteering or becoming a social media advocate- no job is too small. We could not do the work we do without community support and we want to thank you in advance for investing in safety, hope, healing, justice, and prevention for victims of domestic violence. You make the difference! Here are some ways you can #StandWithUs

1. Check Out An Event

Healing Through The Arts | October 11th

Candelight Vigil | October 18th

Advocacy Conference | October 25th

You can learn more about all of the #DVAM events at dcfof.org/dvam

2. Volunteer

Head over to dcfof.org/volunteer to sign up to become a volunteer at an upcoming event, in our shelter, in the food pantry, or even with our children's program. We always need extra hands to help the hundreds of women and children we are serving each month.

Fore more information on volunteering, or to sign up to become a volunteer now, e-mail volunteer@dcfof.org

3. Become Social Media Advocate

Become a social media advocate by helping educate the community and creating awareness within your social network.

For more information on social media advocacy, or to learn more about joining the group, e-mail volunteer@dcfof.org

4. Get Trained

Invite our Prevention, Education, and Awareness team out to speak at your organization, school, business, church etc. Learn how you can play a role in the process of education, accountability and prevention efforts pertaining to sexual and domestic violence.

Programs are available in English and Spanish.

To request a training from one of our community educators, please visit https://friendsofthefamily.kindful.com/register/community-education

5. Tell Us Why You #DVAM

Take a picture wearing purple or holding a sign that says #StandWithUs and post it to your social media!

24 Hour Crisis Line: (940) 382-7273 or (800) 572-4031

Source: https://www.thehotline.org/