COLUMBUS - Domestic Violence is a social reality that exists in every community across America. According to a 1998 survey, one in three women reported being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Center for Survivors Community Educator Michelle Uzendoski said domestic violence does not discriminate - it affects all cultures, religions, ethnic groups, and socio-economic sectors.
It is a common misconception that domestic violence is only physical abuse.
“That is just one form of control. Emotional, sexual, and mental abuse can be just as damaging, if not more,” Uzendoski said in a news release.
In observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Center for Survivors is presenting “An Empty Place at the Table” at several locations.
The nationally recognized exhibit honors victims of domestic violence homicide.
“Their murders have left an empty place at the tables of their loved ones as well as symbolically leaving an empty place in society,” Uzendoski said.
The exhibit consists of individual place settings on a table - each one depicting the personality, accomplishments, hopes and dreams of a victim.
Family members and friends of the victims have either designed the entire place setting or have generously offered personal items to help memorialize their loved ones.
Through An Empty Place at the Table, the Center for Survivors will memorialize the lives of Kathleen Whitt (Platte County resident), Rebecca Andersen (Platte County resident) and Rachel Hall (Nance County resident).
Kathleen Whitt was murdered by her husband on Sept. 23, 1998, at their home in Columbus. She was in the process of leaving her husband when he killed her.
Rachel Hall was murdered by her husband on Feb. 23, 2000, at the home of her mother and step-father in Columbus. She was in the process of getting a divorce when her husband killed her.
Rebecca Andersen, who was Rachel Hall's mother, was murdered by her son-in-law (Rachel's husband) while trying to protect her daughter. Rebecca was battered in her first marriage. She was a survivor and happily married to her second husband, Dan.
By displaying the table settings the Center for Survivors hopes to raise awareness about domestic violence and the devastating effect it has on family, friends and community.
Until the end of October, Kathleen Whitt's table setting is on display at Penny's Floral in Columbus. Rachel Hall's table setting is located at The Country Store in Monroe. Rebecca Andersen's table setting is displayed at St. Edward Public Library.
Also during October, the The Center for Survivors and the Columbus Art Gallery will present locally born artist Yanna Ramaekers' presentation on “Emotionally Charged Sculpture” at the Columbus Art Gallery, from 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 26.
Domestic violence is the theme of her work. Her subject matter is the female figure which she manipulates using such materials as bronze and now more recently clay and color.
“I deal with the human figure in all its beauty and diversity then contrast this with the threats and evils that exist in our society,” Ramaekers said in a news release. “Each piece of work tells an individual story - the essence of fear, angst, and anger. Each one is an individual who has been a victim of violence.”
She has recently completed work on two life size figures for a reading garden installation at the Washington Public Library in Omaha.
Ramaekers was born in Genoa, and as a child lived on a farm, which gave her, she says, an understanding of nature, life, and death, and their interconnectedness. Yanna graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Art from Creighton University, where she studied bronze and steel sculpture. She then went on to complete a master's degree of fine art at the Rinehart School of Sculpture, a division of the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Md. Yanna's sculpture can be viewed online at www.yannafineart.com
In addition, the Center for Survivors is encouraging donations of used cell phones. Your donated phone may be used as a 911-phone for women in abusive situations who may not otherwise have access to a phone. Excess phones are sent to a refurbishing company that pays the center up to $25 for each phone. This money is used to continue to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All phones are accepted, no matter how old or new.
Domestic violence can involve partners who may be married, divorced, living together, or dating. If you are experiencing domestic violence in a relationship or know someone who is, please get help.
The Center for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Survivors is a non-profit agency serving Boone, Butler, Colfax, Nance, Platte, and Polk counties in Nebraska. It provides free and confidential services 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For more information, call (800) 658-4482 or 564-2155.
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