Metro College Takes Stand Against Domestic Violence

With October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, a metro college is taking the time to educate students on the growing problem.

Wednesday, October 21st 2009, 5:49 pm

By: News 9


By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's a top 10 our state wants no part of, but the reality is Oklahoma ranks near the top in the nation for domestic violence cases. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, a metro college is taking the time to educate students on the growing problem.

Some students at OCCC say they never knew domestic violence was such a widespread problem in their state, and today's lesson was a real eye-opener for them.

As students rushed down the halls to get to class it was another day in the life of a college student, but today there's a lesson outside the classroom, standing still in red silhouettes.

"I've learned domestic violence happens, it happens everywhere and I guess it can happen when you least expect it," student Josh Hooten said.

Each life-size silhouette represents a Silent Witness. They are children, wives, mothers and husbands murdered by intimate partners in Oklahoma.

Those at OCCC are spreading the word about this growing violence with proof that every figure here means a tragic ending.

Many say domestic violence doesn't have to end in tragedy.

The YWCA's new 24-hour hotline center answers about 4,000 calls a year from domestic violence victims across the state and volunteers are helping any way they can.

To request a Silent Witness silhouette be made in honor of a loved one or to host the Silent Witnesses, contact the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. www.ocadvsa.org or call Sunshine Gross @ 405/524-0700 ext 10.

YWCA’s Hotline Center includes the state’s only Oklahoma State Safeline: 1-800-522-7233

Learn more about the 4th Annual Kelsey Briggs Run Against Child Abuse.

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