Sheridan to stand together against all forms of domestic violence on Oct. 4

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 4, at the Historic Sheridan Inn the Advocacy and Resource Center will host a special event to honor and bring awareness to domestic violence victims. 

According to the The Silent Witness Wyoming Initiative, in October of each year, domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs in Wyoming take turns supporting an annual Silent Witness Ceremony. These events are held to raise awareness and educate residents about domestic violence and the effect it has on immediate family and the community.

To observe and honor October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Sheridan County Advocacy and Resource Center brings the community together during the March Against Family Violence. But this year, Executive Director Yvonne Swanson said the community will host this year’s Silent Witness Ceremony in place of the traditional March Against Family Violence.

Y. Swanson

The Silent Witness Ceremony participants will carry approximately 40 silhouettes representing victims of domestic violence. The group will then read aloud the names of those who have lost their lives and whose families have submitted their stories to Silent Witness as testimonies of the impact of domestic violence. 

The public is invited to join the Advocacy and Resource Center and many others at 6:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 4, at the Historic Sheridan Inn.  

To bring more awareness and action against domestic violence, The Silent Witness Initiative of Wyoming states everyone can speak out against domestic violence. The problem will continue until society stands up with one resounding voice and says, “no more!”

Members of the public can donate to local, statewide, or national anti-domestic violence programs.

Teach our children about what healthy relationships look like by example and by talking about it.

Call on public officials to support life-saving domestic violence services and hold perpetrators accountable.

If you need assistance, find a link with this story or call the Advocacy and Resource Center at 307-672-3222. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or notify the Sheridan Police Department at 307-672-2413.