HOULTON, Maine — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a number of groups have organized events to bring additional knowledge to the topic.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website, Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first “Day of Unity,” observed in October, 1981.
The intent was to connect battered womens’ advocates across the nation, who were working to end violence against women and their children.
In October, 1987, the day evolved into Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Maliseets plan events
The Maliseet Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center serves individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence, dating violence and stalking. Services include unconditional, confidential support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, safety planning, a 24-hour hotline, support groups, court advocacy and accompaniment services as well as prevention education and training.
During the month of October the Maliseet Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center will be hosting events and staff will be reaching out the community to raise awareness about a subject that touches many lives on a very personal level.
On Sunday, Sept. 30, a “Silent No More” display will be hosted by the Houlton Higher Education Center. The “Silent No More Witnesses” are life-size cutouts that represent victims speaking out against domestic violence. A dream catcher will also be displayed where people can commit to being part of the solution to end domestic violence.
In early October, the group will create feather ribbon pins, feather car magnets and candlelights. Individuals who participate are showing support for victims as well as sending the message that they wish to live in a community free of domestic violence. Pins and magnets will be made available at the Tribal Administration Building, Wellness Center, Social Services, and Housing.
On Monday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. a Wabanaki Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held. For the first time in Wabanaki history, all five tribal communities in Maine will observe October Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a simultaneous tree-lighting ceremony in each of their communities. The Maliseet ceremony will take place at 690 Foxcroft Road.
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, the 15th Annual Domestic Violence Vigil will be held at the Maliseet Gymnasium starting at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature words from a survivor of domestic violence, drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, refreshments and more.
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month or those who have a loved one that has been impacted by domestic violence and would like assistance, call 532-3000 or on the 24-hour hotline at 532-6401.
Hope and Justice Project
The Hope and Justice Project is planning a “Chalk It Up Downtown Event,” on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. in the center of Market Square in downtown Houlton with a short program. This event will be part of the group’s annual vigil that is held each October. It will conclude with a walk around town to hang purple ribbons and view the artwork created by supporters.
“The hope is to engage community members, students and friends as we mourn the victims of domestic violence homicide, celebrate the survivors of abuse and violence while affirming a non-violent future,” said Leslie Gervais, prevention educator for the Hope and Justice Project.
The Hope and Justice Project is encouraging participants to write names of victims, quotes, statistics or simply draw how they envision a world without violence.
This event has three purposes, according to Gervais, to raise awareness about domestic violence; to remember the victims and survivors; and to encourage people in our community to take a stand and speak out against all forms of violence.
Purple sidewalk chalk will be available the night of the event. Those who wish to draw on the sidewalks at school or in front of their business earlier that day, should contact Hope and Justice Project at 532-4004 or 521-0047.
