‘Silent Witness’ display focuses on honouring victims of sexual violence

Zwozdesky said NEOSS tries to organize some type of initiative every May for Sexual Violence Prevention Month, and they came across the Silent Witness concept this year when discussing ideas. NEOSS then spent time researching women and girls whose lives had been impacted by sexual violence and femicide, including some who had lost their lives. The organization then created 21 Silent Witnesses to represent them.

“Our goal was to put a face and presence to the stories and remind people that these were real individuals with families, futures, and lives that mattered.”

According to Zwozdesky, the display is important because it helped make the issue more real and tangible.

“Sometimes statistics can feel distant, but seeing the silhouettes standing together has a very different impact,” said Zwozdesky. “It gives space for reflection and remembrance while helping bring attention to voices and stories that are too often silenced and forgotten.”

“Awareness is a huge part of prevention,” Zwozdesky said. “Displays like this help people connect to the issue on a human level. They encourage conversations that people may otherwise avoid and help remind communities that sexual violence affects real people and real families.”

She said it also sends a message to survivors that they are seen, heard, and not alone.

Saskatchewan routinely has some of the highest rates of domestic and sexual violence in the country, and Zwozdesky said it’s difficult and concerning to see those statistics year after year. She believes it shows that there is a lot of work to do around prevention, education, and support.

“At the same time, it reinforces why initiatives like this matter so much. The more awareness and conversation we can create, the more opportunity there is for change.”

NEOSS also shared the display through their social media pages throughout the month of May so people can have a look at the complete exhibit if they missed it at the Historic Post Office.

Anyone looking for information, support, or resources can contact the NEOSS main office at 306-752-9464 to connect with an outreach counsellor. The women’s shelter and crisis line is 306-752-9455, and NEOSS encourages anyone with questions, concerns, or who may need support to reach out.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

‘Silent Witness’ display focuses on honouring victims of sexual violence

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