PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Domestic Violence Awareness Month came to a close Oct. 31 with the Battered Women’s Project hosting its annual walk through downtown. Since that date, at least one more case of possible domestic violence was reported downstate, with a husband dead and the wife being questioned about the events leading up to his death.
The Presque Isle gathering served as a reminder that domestic violence can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, religion, age or income level.
Participants gathered at the Rec Department’s building off Riverside Dr. prior to the walk to remember those who’ve lost their lives through domestic violence over the last year. The event was one of several activities that occurred throughout Aroostook County during October, helping to spread awareness of the problem.
“We’re here today to remember the victims who’ve lost their live and the survivors still living with abuse and those who’ve found a way out,” said Lisa Leduc, chairperson of the BWP.
Leduc said there were a number of ways to help those in abusive situations, including volunteering with organizations like the BWP, training to work hotlines and provide counseling.
Mary Rohn, spokesperson for the BWP, said the event was for all victims, whether they were women, children or even men.
“While the majority of victims are women and children, men can be victims too,” she said.
Lt. Darrell Ouellette, of the Maine State Police, said we’re in a troubled time, in light of all the violence in the country.
“But Maine is one of the safest states and Aroostook County is the safest county,” said Ouellette.
Of the 29 homicides as of Oct. 31 in the state, Ouellette said 17 were domestic violence related.
“Although there was one homicide in Aroostook County, it wasn’t related to domestic violence. We’re truly living in the safest county,” he said.
Ouellette, who’s been in law enforcement for 32 years, said laws have changed a great deal over time.
“We can now arrest on scene, with mandatory arrest for violation of a protection order. We’ve developed a great partnership with the Battered Women’s Project and the courts. Bail restrictions can be placed on individuals, we notify victims when individuals will be released,” said Ouellette.
Most recently, Ouellette said a Domestic Violence Task Force was formed, including area clergy, social workers, law officers and others.
“We’re looking to get more training for police officers. We hope to bring more training to the county,” said Ouellette.
Community meetings have been held throughout the state to discuss the impact of domestic violence in Maine. A forum was held earlier this year in Presque Isle, with Maine Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan meeting with local and state law enforcement officials, as well as counselors and others to discuss ways to address the issue and what needs to be done to improve circumstances. Jordan plans to compile a report on the meetings and submit it to the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee in December.
“We continue to train. We have policies and procedures to follow when dealing with victims and offenders,” said Ouellette.
Ouellette expressed the need to get more training for part-time officers, not just full-time personnel. He said it was especially important for men to do their part.
“This is a call to men. We encourage individuals to stand up and speak out for victims. It’s our job as men to stand up and protect – say we’re not going to put up with it. It’s up to us to stand up and advocate for victims,” said Ouellette.
Next, two victims braved the public eye, one reciting a poem, while the other shared her story, pausing briefly to choke back tears.
“He endangered not only my life but that of my friends. I doubted I’d ever live the amazing life I dreamed of. This is a new light – a learning experience and opportunity to reach out to others,” said the second victim, acknowledging the appreciation she had for those at the BWP who provided her support and encouragement when she needed it the most.
“It goes beyond what I can describe,” she said.
As the poem “I Am the Woman Who …” was read, Ouellette and Sgt. Thomas Pelletier, of the MSP, lit candles – one for each victim of domestic violence in Maine for 2008 as of that date. The final candle signified the unknown victim.
Following the ceremony, participants gathered outside under a sun-filled sky – those in the lead carrying a banner that read, “Aroostook County Moving Against Domestic Violence. And move they did, as they walked from Riverside Dr., up State St., then turned south on Main St., before turning down Chapman Rd. to return to the meeting site for refreshments and a chance for those in attendance to talk about ways to help prevent future cases of domestic violence.
For more information on the BWP and services available to victims of domestic violence, contact 764-2977.
The Presque Isle gathering served as a reminder that domestic violence can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, religion, age or income level.
Participants gathered at the Rec Department’s building off Riverside Dr. prior to the walk to remember those who’ve lost their lives through domestic violence over the last year. The event was one of several activities that occurred throughout Aroostook County during October, helping to spread awareness of the problem.
“We’re here today to remember the victims who’ve lost their live and the survivors still living with abuse and those who’ve found a way out,” said Lisa Leduc, chairperson of the BWP.
Leduc said there were a number of ways to help those in abusive situations, including volunteering with organizations like the BWP, training to work hotlines and provide counseling.
Mary Rohn, spokesperson for the BWP, said the event was for all victims, whether they were women, children or even men.
“While the majority of victims are women and children, men can be victims too,” she said.
Lt. Darrell Ouellette, of the Maine State Police, said we’re in a troubled time, in light of all the violence in the country.
“But Maine is one of the safest states and Aroostook County is the safest county,” said Ouellette.
Of the 29 homicides as of Oct. 31 in the state, Ouellette said 17 were domestic violence related.
“Although there was one homicide in Aroostook County, it wasn’t related to domestic violence. We’re truly living in the safest county,” he said.
Ouellette, who’s been in law enforcement for 32 years, said laws have changed a great deal over time.
“We can now arrest on scene, with mandatory arrest for violation of a protection order. We’ve developed a great partnership with the Battered Women’s Project and the courts. Bail restrictions can be placed on individuals, we notify victims when individuals will be released,” said Ouellette.
Most recently, Ouellette said a Domestic Violence Task Force was formed, including area clergy, social workers, law officers and others.
“We’re looking to get more training for police officers. We hope to bring more training to the county,” said Ouellette.
Community meetings have been held throughout the state to discuss the impact of domestic violence in Maine. A forum was held earlier this year in Presque Isle, with Maine Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan meeting with local and state law enforcement officials, as well as counselors and others to discuss ways to address the issue and what needs to be done to improve circumstances. Jordan plans to compile a report on the meetings and submit it to the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee in December.
“We continue to train. We have policies and procedures to follow when dealing with victims and offenders,” said Ouellette.
Ouellette expressed the need to get more training for part-time officers, not just full-time personnel. He said it was especially important for men to do their part.
“This is a call to men. We encourage individuals to stand up and speak out for victims. It’s our job as men to stand up and protect – say we’re not going to put up with it. It’s up to us to stand up and advocate for victims,” said Ouellette.
Next, two victims braved the public eye, one reciting a poem, while the other shared her story, pausing briefly to choke back tears.
“He endangered not only my life but that of my friends. I doubted I’d ever live the amazing life I dreamed of. This is a new light – a learning experience and opportunity to reach out to others,” said the second victim, acknowledging the appreciation she had for those at the BWP who provided her support and encouragement when she needed it the most.
“It goes beyond what I can describe,” she said.
As the poem “I Am the Woman Who …” was read, Ouellette and Sgt. Thomas Pelletier, of the MSP, lit candles – one for each victim of domestic violence in Maine for 2008 as of that date. The final candle signified the unknown victim.
Following the ceremony, participants gathered outside under a sun-filled sky – those in the lead carrying a banner that read, “Aroostook County Moving Against Domestic Violence. And move they did, as they walked from Riverside Dr., up State St., then turned south on Main St., before turning down Chapman Rd. to return to the meeting site for refreshments and a chance for those in attendance to talk about ways to help prevent future cases of domestic violence.
For more information on the BWP and services available to victims of domestic violence, contact 764-2977.
