Submitted by SAFE San Juans

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and SAFE San Juans will be hosting the following events:

Domestic Violence Silent Witness Displays and Vigils: You may have already noticed the Silent Witness silhouettes on display in Lopez Village, Eastsound and Friday Harbor. These displays are meant to honor the 41 people in Washington State who were killed in acts of domestic violence in 2018. Among them are two children, two teenagers, 26 women and 11 men. Please take some time to walk among the figures and write your thoughts in the journals provided on-site. SAFE San Juans will be hosting the following vigils in honor of these victims.

Orcas Island: Thursday, Oct. 17, 5:30-:30 p.m. Our remembrance will begin at the Episcopal Church Parish Hall with readings from the play “Carried by the Current” – the story of the first domestic violence “safe home” in Texas. We will then walk to the Silent Witness Vigil.

Lopez Island: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5:30-6:15 p.m. We will gather at the Lopez Community Center display to reflect on the stories of those who died and honor their lives.

San Juan Island: Friday, Oct. 25, noon. We will meet together at the display in front of the Legislative Building to reflect on the stories of those who died and honor their lives.

Be sure to mark your calendars and join SAFE San Juans in their work to empower our islands to live free of abuse.