The EMPTY SHOE DISPLAY shows all of the Domestic Violence Homicides for our tri-county service area for the last 12 years. There is a framed story of the victims along with an empty pair of shoes representing each victim. There will also be a basket with purple ribbons so the public may wear a purple ribbon during October (or anytime) to show their support for the victims and Domestic Violence Awareness.
October 3rd–28th the Empty shoe Display will be in Brown County at the following locations:
Week of October 3-7: The display was at Brownwood High School
Week of October 10-14: HPU-Girling Center for Justice
Week of October 17-21: Heartland Mall
Week of October 24-28: Brown County Courthouse
October 14th is “Go Purple Day”. We are asking all residents of our tri county service area to show their support by wearing purple on Friday, October 14th.
October 27th is the Annual Candle Light Vigil in support and remembrance of all victims that have lost their lives to Domestic Violence.
In the state of Texas DV homicide has increased from 111 victims in 2009 to 142 in 2010. The youngest victims were three 17-year-olds with the oldest being 78 years of age. Murder suicide cases have increased by 42.
The public is encouraged to visit the Empty Shoe Display at any of the above locations. This display brings the victims’ story to life with the empty shoes, and connects the public with the tragic reality of the presence of domestic violence in our area.
This week the display sits in a quiet room on the first floor of the Girling Center for Justice which is pictured above. Below are pictures of the shoes and their representative victims’ stories.