Also see:
The National Silent Witness Initiative (SWI) started in 1990 in Minnesota by a group of artisans who wished to eliminate the tragedy of domestic violence in their state. The national goal is to eliminate domestic violence in this country by the year 2010.
SWI has two parts:
- Life-size wooden silhouettes accompanied by educational literature about domestic violence. Each silhouette represents a woman who has died as a result of domestic violence. Each also bears a breastplate outlining a personal account of suffering and subsequent death. Witnesses are being used in various places across Allegheny County, including businesses, hospitals, YWCAs, and colleges.
Pittsburgh SWI is also the national distributor for the miniature cardstock silhouettes. These silhouettes, replicas of the life-size wooden silhouettes, can be used on tables, in brochures, or as hand-outs.
- The ongoing Domestic Abuse Awareness Project. Posters defining domestic violence and listing crisis centers with their hotline numbers are displayed in restaurants, hospitals, businesses, and college dorms in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The most effective display is inside the doors in restrooms. Since the poster project began February 2002, calls to shelter hotline numbers have more than doubled.
Pittsburgh SWI has taken a leadership role in the local Jewish Domestic Violence Task Force. The Task Force, led by Marcie Barent of Jewish Family & Children's Service, presents to organizations a powerful video, "To Save A Life," which focuses on Jewish domestic violence.
If you would like to schedule the exhibit for use by your organization, purchase miniature silhouettes or would like further information, please contact the NCJW Office at (412) 421-6118.
Eight-inch high cardboard Silent Witness figures (red) with stand (black) can be purchased for $40 per 100 figures, including shipping and handling. To order, contact Sheri Minkoff, NCJW, Pittsburgh , at sminkoff@juno.com or 412-421-6118.
We gladly accept your tax deductible donation. Please make checks payable to "The Silent Witness Initiative" and mail to NCJW, 1620 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
