Throughout October, a series of silent, striking red silhouettes will appear in storefronts and public spaces across Josephine County as part of an effort to raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence. The display is part of the Silent Witness Project, brought to the community this year by WCST Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Services to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Silent Witness Project originated in Minnesota in 1990 as a grassroots response to the rising number of women killed by intimate partners. What began as a local art installation has since grown into a national and international initiative. Communities across the world recreate the project annually to foster dialogue, education, and advocacy on domestic violence.
In Josephine County, WCST has adapted the project to focus on local victims. Each silhouette in the display represents a person from the community whose life was taken by domestic violence. Accompanying plaques share the individual’s name and story, giving a human face to what can often be reduced to statistics. The figures are deliberately simple—life-sized wooden cutouts painted in bright red. Their silent presence in public spaces is designed to provoke reflection and conversation, reminding the community that domestic violence is not confined to private homes. It affects families, neighborhoods, and the entire social fabric.
Local businesses and organizations have joined in hosting the silhouettes in their windows and common spaces. By placing the displays in areas where people shop, gather, and walk daily, organizers aim to keep the issue visible throughout the month. This strategic placement ensures that residents of all backgrounds encounter the display and are prompted to think about domestic violence in their own communities.
The project also underscores that domestic violence affects people of all genders, ages, and abilities. While many of the silhouettes represent women, some depict men, children, and individuals with disabilities, reflecting the broad and devastating scope of the issue.
In addition to memorializing victims, the Silent Witness Project serves several key purposes. It raises public awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence, educates residents about its lasting consequences, and provides information about support services available through WCST. The organization offers free, confidential services to survivors, including advocacy, safety planning, and access to community resources.
Community members are encouraged to visit the displays throughout October, take time to reflect on the stories represented, and learn more about how to be part of the solution. By engaging with the Silent Witness Project, residents can help bring domestic violence out of the shadows and contribute to building a safer Josephine County. Through this solemn and thought-provoking exhibit, the Silent Witness Project transforms everyday spaces into places of remembrance and awareness—turning silent figures into powerful advocates for change.