In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Bowling Green State University is hosting the Empty Place at the Table exhibit throughout October, in partnership with the Bethany House in Toledo.
Bethany House, which oversees the Northwest Ohio Silent Witness Project, collects and shares the stories of women and girls who were murdered in connection to domestic violence.
“It’s a wonderful partnership to help raise awareness about domestic violence in our community,” said Deidra Lashley, executive director of Bethany House.
This year, The Silent Witness Project honors 43 victims from the past decade who lost their lives to domestic violence in Northwest Ohio, including those from Wood County and the Bowling Green area.
“When domestic violence reaches the point of homicide, it doesn’t just impact that family, it affects the entire community, so it means a lot to tell their stories and remember that they were people.”
For many who encounter the exhibit, the experience can be deeply emotional. Each empty plate and chair symbolizes someone who will never again share a meal with their loved ones.
“It’s impactful and makes it personal for people to see that these were real individuals who tragically lost their lives,” Lashley said. “People often come up to the project and say they knew one of the victims. It really shows how we’re all within two degrees of separation, and how much domestic violence touches every community.”
The project aligns closely with the mission of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is to honor victims, advocate for prevention, and push for systemic change.
“Our goal is to remember the victims and say their names out loud,” Lashley explained. “We also want to raise awareness about how dangerous these situations can be and call people to action in ways that they’re advocating for better legislation, policies and responses that will protect victims and save more lives.”
A common misconception Lashley hopes to dispel is that domestic violence is a rare or isolated issue. When in reality, one in three women in the United States will experience domestic violence within their lifetime.
“It’s an epidemic,” Lashley said. “Even if it’s not happening to you personally, it’s happening to someone you know. And the effects of it are long-term, from mental health struggles to financial challenges. These behaviors are being passed down generationally and to make a change, we need to start now.”
Lashley encourages students and community members to take what they see in the exhibit and turn it into action. That means learning about local resources, supporting survivors and getting involved with organizations working to make a difference.
“Listen and believe victims. Know the resources that are available. Take it seriously,” Lashley urged.
There are local organizations like The Cocoon who provide shelter and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“We need everyone to be involved to make real change. Whether that’s supporting Bethany House, The Cocoon or the YWCA, there are programs out there to help, but they rely heavily on community support to continue their lifesaving work.”
The Empty Place at the Table project began in 1993 in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, as a way to represent the community members missing from family tables due to domestic violence. Since then, it has spread across the country as a symbol of remembrance and advocacy.
The exhibit will remain on display through October 31 at Social House at The Oaks, Carillon Place, Kreischer Sundial and The Nest in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
