To the editor:
The statistics are staggering. Every year lives are lost and hearts are broken because of violent acts. Maine’s Department of Public Safety updated the list of homicides in Maine in 2011 as of July 7th, revealing that 50 percent of the 17 homicides that have been committed so far this year were domestic homicides: three women killed by their husbands, who then killed themselves, two children killed by their father, and four men killed with criminal actions ongoing that allege one was killed by his son, one by his brother, one by his wife, and one by his female friend’s former male partner.
This October, domestic violence projects in Aroostook County and across our state are coming together to help end abuse and violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when advocates reach out to communities across the nation to focus attention on the epidemic of violence. We are encouraging everyone to become a part of the solution.
Domestic violence plagues our communities daily. Hope and Justice Project served more than 1,000 women, children, and men this past year. This number represents people who have reported being physically, emotionally or sexually abused by a spouse or dating partner. It signifies the number of people who have sought help through our hotline, outreach services, and shelters. It does not signify the total number of people who are abused. Many people suffer abuse silently, telling no one, often not knowing to whom they might reach out for help.
This October, Hope and Justice Project will be holding events throughout the County. Houlton’s Annual Walk and Vigil will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6th. The event will begin at the Gateway Crossing Bridge at 6 p.m. In Presque Isle, the Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center will be holding their first annual “Heels for the Soul,” Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, on Saturday, Oct. 8th. Registration will begin in the back parking lot of the Crow’s Nest at 8 a.m.
These gatherings are wonderful but not enough. Domestic abuse and violence are everyone’s business. It affects all of us, every family, every workplace, every community, and we all have a role to play in ending the violence. Action can be as simple as a donation of money, volunteering or offering support to those who are involved in a relationship with someone who is abusive.
Individuals who want to help or participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities are encouraged to call 1-800-439-2323 for more information. Hope and Justice Project encourages all readers to join efforts to reduce domestic violence in Aroostook County and we thank you for your consideration.
Courtney Chasse
advocacy coordinator
Madawaska
