Silent Witness Project | KSCoalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

The Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence, our member programs and allied organizations remain committed to ending domestic and sexual violence in our state. Each loss of someone to domestic or sexual violence represents someone taken away from our families and our communities. The consequences of violence are felt far beyond the moment of immediate crisis that makes the news. The Silent Witness Exhibit represents how each loss impacts us for years to come. With permission to share, these are stories of real Kansans.

The Silent Witness Silhouette Project is a collaboration between families, advocacy agencies, and survivors to tell the story of real Kansans who were victims of sexual and domestic violence.

The Silent Witness Silhouettes are life-sized displays with silhouette images of a person. Each Silhouette represents the story of a Kansas victim who lost their life to sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking. They were members of their Kansas communities and someone’s family, friend, or co-worker.

In the original version of the exhibit each silhouette represented a victim, sharing details of their story while honoring their identity. Visitors could connect with the stories behind the statistics which were far more meaningful than reading the numbers alone. The people were not just numbers; they were people whose absence is deeply felt by their communities. The Silent Witnesses gives you the opportunity recognize how domestic and sexual violence happens to all age groups, genders, races and social demographics. For years, Silent Witnesses have given us a way to connect with these stories while we learn about what can be done to end the violence. 

Alicia, 14 years old – Barton Co., Kansas:  Alicia was about to begin her freshman year in high school. She loved cheerleading and spending time with her family and friends. The weekend before school was to start, she was lured out of her home by a 36 year old acquaintance who had been pursuing her for several weeks through text messages. Thinking she was going to a party, she was instead taken to an asphalt plant where she was killed. Her body was found three days later, her face covered in duct tape and her body burned beyond recognition. Her killer was convicted of capital murder and three underlying sex crimes: two forms of sodomy and attempted rape. 

Erin, 36 years old and Mazey, 3 years old – Douglas Co., Kansas:  Erin was known for her caring and loving personality, and her daughter Mazey was growing up to be just like her. During a parental exchange of Mazey, Erin was kidnapped and shot multiple times by Mazey’s father. He then drove Mazey to another location where he shot and killed her, and then shot himself. He had a history of controlling and emotionally abusive behavior toward Erin, but had not physically abused her before.

The Uncounted Domestic Violence Victim, possibly 34 years old –Kansas: 

For every victim whose story of domestic violence and loss, there are tragically many more that never are recognized in the media coverage or crime stats as being victims of partner abuse. It may seem unthinkable in our current age of technology and awareness but abusers work hard and manipulate their surroundings to ensure that the story that is told turns a domestic violence death a loss recorded as an accident or “self defense.”

This Silent Witness Silhouette serves as an example of the victims that come from all backgrounds, genders, ages, and parts of Kansas. Abusers who use isolation, emotional abuse, and manipulation will always seek to hide how their actions lead to theses tragic losses. We will continue to support those who seek justice and recognition for these victims.

The Uncounted Sexual Assault Victim, possibly 19 years old – Kansas:
We know that for every victim of sexual violence we have lost in Kansas, there are others whose stories remain untold because of prejudice and bias against those who may not be represented in our mainstream understanding of the issues. Social stigmas in communities can cause these victims to be overlooked, instead of acknowledging the reality of disproportionate impacts of sexual violence.

Advocating for victims of sexual and domestic violence means ensuring all survivors regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, or community are seen, believed, and supported. We remain committed to seeking justice and recognition for these victims.

About The Silent Witness Project

The Mission and History of The Silent Witness Exhibit

The 2025 Update to the Silent Witnesses Exhibit:

Read Their Stories

Alicia

Pearl

Olivia

Erin and Mazey

The Uncounted Domestic Violence Victim

The Uncounted Sexual Violence Victim

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