To the Editor:

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, OCCC will be hosting a Silent Witness display in the atrium of the Main Building on Oct. 6 and 7.

This nationwide public awareness campaign is a visual memorial to victims of domestic violence homicide.

The display is on loan through the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and sponsored by Counseling in Student Support Services.

The Silent Witnesses are life-sized plywood silhouettes, bearing a shield on which is written the story of an Oklahoma woman, child or man who was killed in a domestic violence homicide.

The victims memorialized include individuals killed by their abusive partner, as well as bystanders killed as a result of these attacks.

In 2013, the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (DVFRB) identified 100 people in Oklahoma who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.

These deaths included domestic violence victims killed by partners and ex-partners; family members killed by family members, children killed by abusers or other family members; roommates killed by roommates; and suicide deaths of abusers.

If you are interested in honoring a loved one with a Silent Witness silhouette, information will be available at the display.

If you are in an abusive relationship or have been sexually assaulted, or if you know someone who needs help, please call: 1-800-522-SAFE (7233)

The Safeline is a toll-free accessible 24-hour hotline for individuals seeking help or information about domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking which offers:

•Confidential calls with trained individuals who understand issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

• Assistance in safety planning

• Referrals to crisis centers, shelters, and other state resources

• Help is available in 150 languages.