October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and DOVE Center, southern Utah’s local provider of shelter and outreach services for victims of domestic violence, is “Breaking the Silence” by unveiling a new video, “Breaking the Silence—Making the Difference in Our Community.” The video is aimed at preserving the history of the center, raising awareness of the scourge of domestic violence and asking for support for DOVE Center’s programs.
The new video is premiering on DOVE’s new YouTube channel. It is the organization’s first effort in raising awareness through multimedia communications.
“I am beyond grateful and excited about the volunteer time and energy that went into getting this project ready for Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Lindsey Boyer, executive director of DOVE Center. “What a gift it is for our community to see and hear about the many collective efforts that give a voice to the silence of abuse. I challenge you all to please watch and share this video with at least one other person, if not many. You never know who might be waiting silently for this lifeline. For those of you watching who may have your own story to share, we honor your courage and survivor-hood, and we encourage you to consider breaking your own silence when you are safe and ready to do so.”
Domestic violence is a complex problem in American society. In the United States, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and three women are killed every day by a current or former intimate partner. These numbers are worse for women in Utah where the rate of violence against women is one in three.
“I think this video is important because of the need for education and simple awareness in our community,” stated Shonie Christensen, a DOVE Center trustee and video participant. “If more people are aware and educated on the services DOVE Center provides, then it is more likely that they will be able to help someone in need. You never know who you may inspire to break the silence by just saying, ‘DOVE Center can help you.’”
Shane Brown, a St. George independent filmmaker, produced the “Breaking the Silence” video.
“Shane’s talents were crucial to the creation and execution of this project that started simply as a “wouldn’t it be wonderful if” conversation,” explained Ruth Weniger, chair of DOVE’s Marketing and Communications Committee. “I am glad for the opportunity to share my time and talents with DOVE Center.” The Center’s Board of Trustees and staff gratefully acknowledge Brown’s contribution.
If you or a loved one is in need of information or resources concerning domestic violence, please call DOVE Center’s 24-hour help line at (435) 628-0458.
You can support DOVE Center programs by offering your time, talents, or financial gifts. To learn more about how you can help Break the Silence, call (435) 628-1204 or visit dovecenter.org.
The DOVE Center is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing safe, caring, and confidential shelter and advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and to reducing the incidents of abuse through prevention education.
(Top photo by West Midlands Police / CC BY-SA 2.0)
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