For more information about this program, contact us at 979.845.0280 or healthpromotion@tamu.edu.
The Silent Witness project is Texas A&M University's traveling memorial to victims and survivors of partner violence. In 2004, Texas A&M's Women's Resource Center began hosting this exhibit in order to increase awareness and education about the causes and effects of partner violence. Our office took over the project in 2015.
Currently, there are 10 red, life-size silhouettes in the Silent Witness Exhibit. Each Witness carries a shield with the story of a woman who was murdered by their partner, with the exception of one male witness who was killed by his sister's former partner.
Texas A&M's Silent Witness Project is part of the Silent Witness National Initiative, whose goal it is to eliminate domestic murders in the United States. Find out more about the National Initiative.
WHERE ARE THE SILENT WITNESSES NOW?
The Witnesses are currently set up in the 12th Man Hall of the MSC. They will be there throughout the month of October except for a brief appearance at 24th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Candlelight Vigil at Connecting Point Church on Wednesday, October 17th.
WHY IS THE SILENT WITNESS PROJECT NECESSARY?
Each October, the Texas Council on Family Violence publishes a list of women who were murdered by their partners in Texas. In 2014, 132 women were killed by their partners and 10 of the victim's family, friends, and co-workers were killed during the same incidents. Of those 132 women, 5 were from counties surrounding the Bryan-College Station area.
We feel strongly that awareness of and education about partner violence can reduce the number of domestic murders in Texas and the United States.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
- If you are a student, staff, or faculty, please visit the Silent Witness Project Exhibit as it travels around campus, and learn about how to spot indicators of partner violence both in your own relationship and in the relationships of those you love.
- If you are interested in learning more about bystander intervention, sign up for a Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training. Learn more about Green Dot and registration for the trainings.
- If you are staff or faculty who would like to host the project, contact us at 979.845.0280 or healthpromotion@tamu.edu.