BURLINGTON COUNTY (BCPO NEWS) – Burlington County residents who lost their lives at the hands of a family member or loved one were recalled today during a solemn ceremony that also extended assistance to those seeking to break away from an abusive relationship or home environment.
The ceremony, known as the Silent Witness Project, featured multiple life-sized silhouettes representing those who were killed by domestic violence. It was held in the student center at Rowan College at Burlington County’s Mount Laurel Campus and attended by more than 100 people.
In addition to RCBC, the event was sponsored by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department, Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities, Soroptimist International of Rancocas Valley and Servicios Latinos de Burlington County.
The program included an inspirational message from a survivor of domestic violence who recounted how the emotional and physical abuse by her husband escalated after she became pregnant.
She tearfully recalled an incident so severe that she required emergency medical attention. The police became involved and she ultimately left him, found support and went to nursing school.
She encouraged those in similar situations to summon the strength and courage to leave.
Prosecutor Scott Coffina emphasized that the effort to help rescue and support domestic violence victims must remaining a priority, and recalled the disappointment last year when the Silent Witness Project was canceled due to the pandemic.
“Domestic violence remains a stubborn and all-too-often hidden problem in and outside of our County,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “We are very grateful to be together this year for this incredibly important remembrance of people lost to domestic violence.”
The Silent Witness Project is held annually in October as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is being abused, call the Providence House domestic violence hotline at 1-877-871-7551.