In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Berks (formerly Berks Women in Crisis) will hold the 16th Annual Silent Witness Project March and Dedication on October 26th. The event will begin at the Safe Berks Center with a symbolic march, and the dedication will take place at the RACC Schmidt Training & Technology Center.
WHAT: 16th Annual Safe Berks Silent Witness March and Dedication
WHEN: Thursday, October 26, 2017
11:15 a.m.: gathering at Safe Berks, followed by the march
Noon: Dedication at RACC
WHERE: Starts at Safe Berks, 255 Chestnut Street, Reading and Ends at RACC Schmidt Training & Technology Center, 15 N. Front St.
WHO: Open to the Public
The Silent Witness Project is a display of life-sized silhouettes that honors the lives of Berks County women, men, and children who lost their lives due to domestic violence homicide. Each figure displays a shield on its chest that tells the story of their untimely death.
Prior to the Dedication, the public is invited to meet at the Safe Berks Center, 255 Chestnut Street, Reading, at 11:15 a.m. to participate in the Silent Witness March. Following the Dedication at RACC, a light lunch will be served.
Featured speaker at the Dedication will be Susan Van Zant, founder of Jan’s Circle of Friends. A private nonprofit organization, Jan’s Circle of Friends honors the memory of Susan’s sister, Jan, who was killed in 2008 by domestic violence. Jan left behind four beloved children. Jan’s Circle of Friends is dedicated to helping child victims and survivors of domestic violence.
This year’s Silent Witness Dedication will honor and mourn the loss of 56 people and one pet killed by domestic violence in Berks County since 1999, including the most recent tragedy, the murder of Nicole Monderewicz on January 5, 2017.
