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The University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Saint John campus has unveiled a familiar but poignant display as part of the New Brunswick Silent Witness Project, coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This international campaign began on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and runs until Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

The New Brunswick Silent Witness Project features life-sized red silhouettes representing women who have tragically lost their lives due to domestic violence. These silhouettes serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and the urgent need for action and awareness.

The display is located on the second floor of the Hans W. Klohn Commons and includes two Silent Witnesses from the local community: Cathy Bawn and Melanie Davis. Their stories, along with those of other women, are shared every year to remember their lives and to highlight the devastating impact of domestic violence.

Chris Doran, a professor of sociology on UNB’s Saint John campus who is involved with the project, emphasizes the importance of this display in fostering awareness and encouraging community action.

"These silhouettes are not just symbols; they represent real women whose lives were taken by violence. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire change and prevent future tragedies," Doran said.

The display will remain up until the end of the exam period, providing students, faculty and visitors with an opportunity to reflect on the issue of domestic violence.

Following the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women ceremony on Dec. 6, additional silhouettes and roses will be added to the display, further honouring the lives of those lost. The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at the Saint John Arts Centre, Peel Plaza.

The New Brunswick Silent Witness Project aims to remember victims, create awareness of the risk factors for intimate partner violence and promote action to end violence against women.

For more information about the project and the women honoured, visit the New Brunswick Silent Witness Project.

UNB invites the community to visit the display, engage in the 16 Days of Activism and join in the collective effort to eliminate violence against women.

Photo credit: Brendan Mittelholtz