This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), Tri-County Safe Harbor (TCSH) invites all to view a storefront installation honoring local lives lost due to domestic violence as well as the women, children, and men TCSH served during the past year.

The installation is displayed in the windows of TCSH’s administration office in the Ludington Centre, 1100 Ludington Street.

This year TCSH joins others nationwide in the empty chair campaign, displaying empty chairs with photos and stories honoring domestic violence murder victims. The chairs are a reminder of the vacancies in communities when lives are lost.

With permission from their families, TCSH is honoring Harley Corwin and Kathleen Cronkright. The photos and stories ask viewers to feel the deep loss of each life and see each distinctive woman.

The installation also includes handprints representing the women, children, and men TCSH served in the last year, one handprint for each of the 147 women, 47 children, and five men.

Commonly, people don’t know how many suffer due to domestic violence in our community, said Melissa O’Neill, TCSH program manager, and she hopes the display will help raise awareness.

Countless domestic violence victims never seek help, and many never even speak of their abuse, so these numbers represent only a small percentage of those harmed.

“We see firsthand the devastating impact of abuse on victims and their families,” said O’Neill. “Domestic violence is a silent epidemic. We need our small communities to stand against domestic violence and support survivors on their journey of healing and safety.”

TCSH serves victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft counties, with a shelter in Escanaba and offices in Menominee and Manistique. Those needing help can call TCSH’s 24/7 helpline at (906) 789-1166.

DVAM is a time for increased focus on survivors/victims nationwide–their needs, experiences, and voices–while grieving and honoring lives lost, a yearly renewal of the quest to end domestic violence and raise awareness about abuse.

“This month is much more than just remembering the pain and loss,” said O’Neill. “It’s also about change and hope. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a call to action, an opportunity for each of us to make a difference.”