domestic violence

Domestic violence is the single leading cause of injury to women in this country. Violence injuries to women are more than car accidents, rapes, and muggings combined.

The Silent Witnesses

The Silent Witness exhibit originated in Minnesota in 1990 when a group of artists decided to memorialize victims and speak out against domestic violence. The project became a national initiative in 1994 and since then all fifty states developed exhibits.

Womanshelter/Compañeras recently created Silent Witnesses honoring the individuals in Massachusetts who were murdered because of domestic violence. These silhouettes represent the people who died as a result of domestic violence in Massachusetts since October 2002. Sadly, these victims did not escape murderous partners. We want to acknowledge the victims and end the silence of domestic violence. No one deserves abuse. There is help.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence often involves any of the following:

Verbal abuse such as name calling, put downs, yelling, humiliation
Emotional abuse such as making threats or preventing contact with family/friends
Physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, slapping, shoving
Sexual abuse such as being forced to commit unwanted acts

Domestic Violence can happen between past/present partners or between family members (even living in different homes). It occurs in all segments of society, regardless of income, education, age, race, ethnicity, or gender.

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How Can You Help?

Let the victim know that s/he is not alone
Listen and give non-blaming feedback
Give them clear information on how they can get help
Be non-judgemental
Realize that the victim is in great danger
Help them develop a safety plan (below)

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Leaving an Abusive Situation

Know how to contact local woman’s services
If you have a restraining order, keep it with you
Keep important papers safe: birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, etc.
Plan an escape route; know where you will go and who will help you. Also plan an alternative escape route.
Keep some money, car keys, and phone change hidden where you can easily grab them. If possible, have a bag of clothes and personal items ready.

24-HOUR Hotline numbers

for ware

For Women:

Womanshelter/Companeras

Holyoke (877) 536-1628

Safe Passage

Northampton (888) 345-5282

Daybreak

Worcester (508) 755-9030

Call collect

For Men:

Men's Resource Center

Amherst (413) 253-9887

For Child / Elder Abuse:

Parental Stress Line (800) 632-8188

Dept. of Social Services (800) 792-5200

MA Elder Abuse (800) 922-2275

Intimate Partner Homicides in MA

10/1/2002 thru 10/1/2003

*Victim*	*Age*	*Town*	*Date*
Katherine Herpin	13	Roxbury	10/5/2002
Ilia Mendez	5	Roxbury	10/5/2002
Gienia Kolenda	50	Westfield	10/20/2002
Yana Kolenda	11	Westfield	10/20/2002
Anatoli Kolenda	11	Westfield	10/20/2002
Sergio Herrera	19	Boston	12/25/2002
Rafael Alcantara	21	Fitchburg	12/25/2002
Tracy Fletcher	40	Malden	12/31/2002
Laurinda Gomes	42	Brockton	1/13/2003
Karina Barbosa	11	Brockton	1/13/2003
Maria Gomes	66	Brockton	1/13/2003
Stephen Reid	39	Jamaica Plain	2/7/2003
Amelia Gomez	49	Roslindale	3/25/2003
Livia Hedda Rev-Kury	79	Brookline	3/31/2003
Berenice Tejada	52	Roslindale	4/19/2003
Sally Spry	65	Stow	4/20/2003
Donovan Penrose	33	Fitchburg	6/11/2003
Colleen Stone	30	Holden	6/1/2003
Robert J. Sacramona	38	Mansfield	6/11/2003
Gilane Saget	34	Brockton	6/15/2003
Baby Petitry	24	Brockton	6/26/2003
Nelli Bessonova	43	Waltham	6/29/2003
Amy Levesque	29	Springfield	6/25/2003
Unknown	Any	Any	Any

Special thanks to Peace at Home for compiling the list of victims, Womanshelter/Companeras for their ongoing success toward ending domestic violence, Mary Lane Hospital for hosting the display in their lobby, Charlotte's Place for their yearly vigil, Ware Domestic Violence Task Force for raising the issues in town, and to the students of Ware Adult Education Center for assisting in this creation. Most of all, thank you to all who help raise awareness to end domestic violence.