PORT ANGELES — “No more,” Becca Korby, executive director of Healthy Families of Clallam County, told 30 guests at a noon vigil for victims of domestic violence Wednesday
“No more silence, no more tolerance,” Korby said.
Korby was standing among red, white and blue plastic silhouettes scattered around The Gateway transit center.
The silhouettes — blue for men, red for women and white for children — symbolized individuals whose deaths were directly related to domestic violence.
The day earlier, on Tuesday, the Indian Voices writing group, a circle of tribal women and men, hosted an open mic night at the Elwha Heritage Training Center.
Along with a poem or short story, each reader gave a statistic related to domestic violence across Indian Country.
Both events were part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Silent Witness Display, a memorial to Washingtonians who have died at the hands of their abusers.
Keynote speaker Sequim Police Detective Sgt. Sean Madison said that to the “boots on the ground” — police officers and aid workers who work directly with victims — they are not statistics, they are people.
“I regret that these were people I only get to know once they’re gone,” Madison said.
There has been a lot of progress but still more to be done, he said.
One young mother killed in a domestic violence incident had recently told a friend that she had never had a boyfriend who didn’t hit her.
“It’s all she ever knew,” Madison said.
Parents need to teach their sons and daughters to respect but not to fear — to never raise a hand in anger to those they care about, he said.
From January 2010 through June 2011, deaths in Washington state included:
■ 24 cases of murder-suicide, many of which involved children.
■ 24 cases of men killing women or women and children.
■ Six cases of women killing men.
■ Six cases of suicide, or suicide by cop, by abusers.
■ Three cases of a man killing another man over a woman.
The event also recognized those who have worked to help victims of domestic violence.
“We are here to thank, we are here to reflect, we are here to celebrate, and we are here to honor,” Korby said.
“This is a way to honor those who live and work in the community who show they understand,” she said.
Two Port Angeles police officers, Lucas Degard and Dan Morse, were thanked for special service in assisting with domestic violence victims and were given plaques.
Morse was the first award winner in Healthy Families’ history to have been nominated by a domestic violence victim, Korby said.
Other award winners included Forks resident Bill Plumley of Olympic Community Action Programs for his assistance in finding housing for victims who have nowhere to go, and Heidi Greenwood, Port Angeles assistant city attorney.
Port Angeles High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps — or NJROTC — students performed a flag ceremony under the command of retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Leo Campbell.
“With deep thanks to NJROTC, that they faithfully show up every year,” Korby said.
There should be more people at these events, Korby said, at least 10 for every one present.
“This courtyard should be filled with people,” she said.
About 45 people stopped to talk, while dozens honked in encouragement, during a Silent Witness display in Port Townsend last Friday, said advocate Annette Isaksen.
The display was sponsored by Dove House, which staffed a booth with several victims’ advocates throughout the day.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
