UPDATE: 5:45 p.m. Wednesday
Due to the rainy weather forecast Thursday, the Silent Witness Exhibit has been moved from its original location at Innis Park on North Third Street, to the Commissioners Assembly room in the New Hanover County Historic Court House at the corner of Third and Princess streets. The exhibit will begin at 12:30 p.m.
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Area officials will gather Thursday afternoon for an exhibit honoring women in North Carolina who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
The Silent Witness Exhibit will be featured at Innis Park at 102 N. Third St., adjacent to Wilmington City Hall, beginning at 12:30 p.m., according to Jennie Thomason, Court Advocate for Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.
The exhibit features life-size silhouettes, representing the women in the state whose lives have been taken by an intimate partner. The event will mark the start of the nationwide observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is during the month of October.
New Hanover County District Court Judge Lindsey McKee Luther will give opening remarks as advocates, family members, area officials and interested members of the public gather to remember these women, Thomason said.
Guests have been invited to read aloud the women’s names and tell their stories. Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous and New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon will be among those reciting names Thursday.
“This event will give us an opportunity to honor those who have been lost, while reminding us all why we must work together to break the cycle of violence,” Thomason said.
The exhibit is the first in a series of events taking place in light of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wilmington. The 26th annual “Take Back the Night March and Rally” will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Riverfront Park on Water Street between Princess and Market streets.
The march will take people through the streets of downtown Wilmington to raise awareness about domestic violence and will conclude with a rally and candlelight vigil.
For more information about domestic violence services in Wilmington visit the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., website.
