Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Domestic violence is one of our nation's greatest health concerns. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one of every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Despite its prevalence, domestic violence is one of the most consistently underreported crimes.
To help raise awareness, a "Silent Witness Commemoration Service," honoring domestic violence victims in Michigan, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 1:30 p.m., at Beaumont Hospital, Troy. The event will feature an address by David Herrington, the father of a domestic violence victim.
The ceremony will take place in the lower level classrooms adjacent to the Garden Cafe at Beaumont, Troy, 44201 Dequindre Road. The public is invited.
This special commemoration ceremony, kicking off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will include reading the names and sharing the stories of Michigan women, children and men who lost their lives last year due to domestic violence. Life-size silhouettes known as "silent witnesses" will be displayed in tribute of domestic violence victims.
“Domestic violence affects many people in communities throughout the nation,” says Nancy Susick, president, Beaumont, Troy. “Our hope is that this event will spread awareness and aid in reducing domestic violence throughout the community.”
In addition to the ceremony, donations of toiletries and clothing were collected throughout the month of September at Beaumont, Troy and the Beaumont Medical Center, Sterling Heights. These items were distributed to two local domestic violence shelters: HAVEN in Oakland County and Turning Point in Macomb County.