CONTACT: Christine Gilfillan, Chief Operating Officer

October 17, 2017

MEDIA ALERT CONTACT: Christine Gilfillan, Chief Operating Officer PHONE: 610-370-7608 (office) EMAIL: [email protected]

SAFE BERKS TO HOLD 16TH ANNUAL SILENT WITNESS DEDICATION ON OCT. 26

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Berks (formerly Berks Women in Crisis) will hold the 16th Annual Silent Witness Project March and Dedication on October 26th. The event will begin at the Safe Berks Center with a symbolic march, and the dedication will take place at the RACC Schmidt Training & Technology Center.

WHAT: 16th Annual Safe Berks Silent Witness March and Dedication WHEN: Thursday, October 26, 2017 11:15 a.m.: gathering at Safe Berks, followed by the march Noon: Dedication at RACC WHERE: Starts at Safe Berks, 255 Chestnut Street, Reading Ends at RACC Schmidt Training & Technology Center, 15 N. Front St. WHO: Open to the Public WHY: To honor Berks County women, children and men whose lives were lost to domestic violence.

The Silent Witness Project is a display of life-sized silhouettes that honors the lives of Berks County women, men, and children who lost their lives due to domestic violence homicide. Each figure displays a shield on its chest that tells the story of their untimely death.

Prior to the Dedication, the public is invited to meet at the Safe Berks Center, 255 Chestnut Street, Reading, at 11:15 a.m. to participate in the Silent Witness March. Following the Dedication at RACC, a light lunch will be served.

Featured speaker at the Dedication will be Susan Van Zant, founder of Jan’s Circle of Friends. A private nonprofit organization, Jan’s Circle of Friends honors the memory of Susan’s sister, Jan, who was killed in 2008 by domestic violence. Jan left behind four beloved children. Jan’s Circle of Friends is dedicated to helping child victims and survivors of domestic violence.

This year’s Silent Witness Dedication will honor and mourn the loss of 56 people and one pet killed by domestic violence in Berks County since 1999, including the most recent tragedy, the murder of Nicole Monderewicz on January 5, 2017.

1 The Safe Berks Silent Witness Project travels throughout the month of October to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence. Please contact us if you are interested in having the project displayed at a public location at any time. Scheduled locations for the display include:  October 11-13: Reading Hospital 5th Avenue Lobby and HealthPlex Lobby  October 18-25: Kutztown University, Old Main Lobby  October 26-31: RACC Schmidt Training & Technology Center

The Safe Berks Silent Witness Project was inspired by the Silent Witness National Initiative (www.silentwitness.net) to honor and remember victims of domestic violence, and to work to end domestic violence.

Safe Berks is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression. We have proudly served the Berks County, Pennsylvania community for 41 years.

www.SafeBerks.org