Lorraine's Blog

Silenced No More Unveiling Ceremony
Silent Witness Project

September 18, 2011 by Lorraine

"THE UNVEILING ...honors those gone, but not forgotten."

Silenced No More, the new Central Southwest Ohio Chapter, of the Silent Witness Project, cordially invites you to attend the official launching of the First Silent Witness Unveiling Ceremony, Saturday, October 1, 2011.

The twelve, life sized silhouettes were unveiled and introduced to promote awareness of the violent effects of domestic violence in our communities. Each silhouette represents a woman whose life was violently ended by a husband, ex-husband, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, or acquaintance. Their voices will not be silenced, as each silhouette bears a gold shield which tells their story, and states "Remember Me!"

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and National Crime Prevention Month. The twelve silhouettes, made their second appearance at the Batavia Clermont County Vigil on October 6th at 6p.m., are being placed in the communities by various supporting entities. Mt. Healthy City Hall will be displaying Karline Ross-Gray's silhouette to the Mt. Healthy community.

Johanna Orozco, from Cleveland, Ohio, who's story of teen dating violence, nationally known, was our keynote speaker. In 2007, at age 17, Ms. Orozco, was raped, stalked and shot in the face by her abusive ex-boyfriend. She shares her story of courage, hope and recovery, nationally. Ms. Orozco played a major role in getting HB-10 legislation passed, that allows teenagers in abusive dating relationships to obtain protection orders.

A true victory - since she was unable to obtain a protection order when she was victimized, because the perpetrator was a minor. This legislation will increase the safety of many teens in Ohio.

Ms. Tracie Hunter, our guest speaker, shared her personnal story of being stalked by a person who was infatuated with her.
Her strenth, perseverance and determination not to live in fear is remarkable.

Jeanne Phillips, the music director of Mt. Healthy Christian Church, provided music and sang beautifully for the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at Mt. Healthy Christian Church, located at 7717 Harrison Ave, Mt. Healthy, Ohio, from 3 - 5 pm, in the sanctuary. Light refreshments followed at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Thank you to all those who attended and supported our efforts!

Silenced No More Central Southwest Chapter of Ohio