HOULTON, Maine — Domestic and sexual violence is an issue that affects people from all walks of life. It knows no social or economic boundaries and is a problem that impacts the lives of millions.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians held their 17th annual Candlelight Vigil Oct. 1 to raise awareness for the cause.
A small, but dedicated group gathered inside the Maliseet gymnasium for last Wednesday’s ceremony, which featured the theme, “What is done to one is felt by all … Protect our loved ones.”
An estimated 45 percent of American Indian/Alaska Native women have experienced Intimate Partner Violence, according to information presented at the vigil. IPV is another term for domestic violence and it includes physical, sexual or psychological violence that occurs between current and former spouses or partners.
“I want to thank each of you for coming out to share in this evening of remembering the victims of domestic violence, celebrating the survivors and affirming a non-violent future for all people,” said Brenda Commander, tribal chief. “We can each of us prevent domestic violence by teaching our children and grandchildren that violence can always be avoided. It is always wrong. We cannot allow a violent society to be their teachers. Instead, me must model harmony in our relationships with family and friends.”
Commander said the tribe made a commitment 16 years ago to protect the victims by establishing their own Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center.
“No one in our community has to face this alone,” Commander said. “There is help and support for them. Let us be at the forefront of ending domestic violence. Together we can do it.”
Susie Fink, director of the tribe’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center, is in her first year with the program. She succeeds Jane Root, who went on to become the executive director of the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition.
“This is a time that we can remember those who we have lost in our community and statewide to domestic and sexual violence,” Fink said. “We honor those victims and vow to make a stand to end domestic violence.”
Fink said her center deals with a variety of issues, including domestic issues, dating and stalking incidents that take place in the community.
“It happens here and it happens every day, but it has been unspoken,” she said. “We encourage people to stand up and say something, rather than just watching it happen.”
Following the candle-lighting service, a short walk was held, culminating with a tree-lighting service at the Maliseet Health Center.
“We gather in unity with our Wabanaki relatives to acknowledge that many of our people are living lives impacted by domestic violence,” Fink said. “Many of us grew up in homes where there was domestic violence. Many of us thought it was just the way everyone lived.”
Fink encouraged those in attendance to make a pledge to model healthy relationships; to speak out against abusive behavior; and to support the victim by holding the perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their actions.
The Maliseets program offers unconditional/confidential support; crisis intervention; safety planning; emergency shelter and related assistance; support group; hospital accompaniment; court advocacy; assistance in filing for orders of protection from abuse; assistance in filing for divorce and parental rights/custody; legal assistance; information and referrals; and education and training.
Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault can call the Maliseet hotline at 532-6401, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for assistance.
