PORT TOWNSEND — Silhouettes bringing attention to specific victims of domestic violence were on display Friday near the Haller Fountain.
Plaques on each of the six two-dimensional statues, cut from plywood and painted black, told the tales of people — women, children and men — who were killed by domestic violence in Washington state in the past nine months.
The display was sponsored by the Dove House, which staffed a booth with several victims’ advocates throughout the day.
Advocate Annette Isaksen said about 45 people stopped by to talk, while dozens of others honked in encouragement.
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The silhouettes also were displayed this month at the Quilcene Food Bank, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Port Ludlow Bay Club to promote October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Isaksen said Dove House strives to provide support for domestic violence victims, providing emotional support and resources.
Each silhouette represents a murder victim.
Isaksen hopes the education will break the cycle.
“We want to educate people about domestic violence, so they can walk away from it,” she said.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in three women experience an abusive relationship in their lives.
The national group lists 12 warning signs of domestic violence, including threats, controlling behavior and cruelty to children and animals.
Dove House reports 67 homicides and 27 suicides related to domestic violence in Washington state between January 2010 and July 2011
Dove House’s advocacy services are free and confidential.
The crisis line is open around the clock at 360-385-5291 or 800-346-7555.
For more information on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, visit www.ncadv.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
