FLAT WOODEN FIGURES

The flat wooden figures were lined on the sidewalks leading to the student services building. Each figure was positioned in its pedestal so they would not tumble to the ground. They were all in the shape of a woman with the head cut showing they had long curly hair. Each wooden figure looked the same from a distance. All were approximately 5’7” tall to give the look of substance. The wooden figures were faceless and only painted in dark brown paint. One looked the same as the other.

The wooden figures had brass plaques secured to the front. Although they looked alike they were indeed very different. Each figure represented a female who was the victim of domestic violence. One figure had the name of Sarah on its plaque. She was 18-years-old and was shot to death by her boyfriend. The next figure had the name of Susan. She was 28-years-old and was killed by blunt force by her ex-boyfriend. The next had the name of Jennifer. She was 32-years-old and was stabbed to death by her live-in boyfriend. She had two young children. Another figure had the name of Margaret. She was 78-years-old and shot to death by her husband.

The stories were similar although each figure represented a different woman; a different situation; a different story. Each of these women was violently killed by somebody they loved and trusted. Some were trying to get out of the relationships. Nobody will know their true stories because they cannot tell them. The flat wooden figures lined on the sidewalk hoped everybody who passed and read their names would help the next woman involved in a domestic violent situation. They hoped somebody would get involved. They hoped everybody would become more aware.

October is domestic violence awareness month. Society as a whole needs to become more aware of domestic violence and its prevention before it is too late. Here is a website I found. Please spread the word.