On January 26th, Violence Free Minnesota will host our annual intimate homicide memorial. Due to the pandemic this event, and a private space for family and friends, will be held online. Please forward the information below to your networks and be sure to register for the event.
On the same day, the coalition is coordinating a procession of 28 cars adorned with purple ribbons - one for each victim in 2020 - to travel through downtown St. Paul to the Capitol. As cars arrive at the Capitol building at noon, WFNU, Frogtown Radio 94.1, will play a recording of the victim names. If you would like to participate in the procession, please email Danisa at dfarley@vfmn.org.
The 2020 Intimate Partner Homicide Memorial
January 26, 2021
3PM
On January 26, 2021, Violence Free Minnesota will host a public memorial to honor the lives of those killed due to intimate partner violence in 2020. The program will feature several speakers who will address key issues regarding homicide and domestic violence including Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Minnesota Department of Health; Minnesota State Senator Mary Kunesh-Podein; Elena Anderson, program associate at Praxis; and Artyce Thomas, executive director of Women’s Shelter and Support Center. The program will feature the artwork of Lori Greene and will close with a reading of the victims' names.
All are welcome to attend. Questions can be directed to Becky at bsmith@vfmn.org
Family and Friends: A Memorial Space
January 26
4:30PM
Annually, Violence Free Minnesota holds a memorial to remember the people killed due to intimate partner violence in Minnesota. This year, in addition to a public webinar memorial, the coalition is hosting a private memorial space for the family and friends of people killed due to intimate partner violence. This is a space to reflect, connect, and remember.
We will open with some context and readings; hold space for each other to speak about our loved ones; and close by reading the names of the 2020 victims and others who have been remembered in the space.
The space will be facilitated by experienced domestic violence advocates, including Artyce Thomas (Women's Shelter, Rochester); Erica Staab (Hope Center, Faribault); Safia Khan (formerly of Violence Free Minnesota); and faith leaders Reverend Tara Parrish and Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg. Advocates will be available to speak to participants one-on-one via breakout rooms upon request as needed.
This is intended to be a space for family and friends most impacted by the death of their loved one due to intimate partner violence, including the death of those who were bystanders and/or attempted to intervene.
This gathering is intended to be confidential. Media is strictly prohibited from attending or covering this event, but is welcome to attend the public webinar at 3pm.
