HOULTON, Maine — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple ribbons will be worn on clothing and hung on poles throughout towns.
“Domestic violence homicides are still happening, seven already in 2014, one in an Aroostook town when Amy Theriault was shot to death in her St. Francis home by her ex-boyfriend Jesse Marquis,” said Leslie Gervais, prevention coordinator for the Hope and Justice Project. “Too many lives are still being lost, too many lives are still in turmoil; too many little lives are still unsettled. Talking about the many faces of domestic violence will bring attention to these serious issues plaguing us nationwide and will only reinforce our commitment to make healthier choices.”
The Hope and Justice Project in Houlton will recognize the significance today at 5:30 p.m. in Monument Park. The theme for the event this year will be, “Talk It Up, Houlton!”
A reading of, “Words are not for Hurting,” will begin the day at the Cary Library’s After-School Program. Children will explore positive ways to respond to hurtful words and learn how the simplest of words like “I’m sorry,” can be more powerful than they ever expected.
The event will conclude with a 17-person skit that depicts dating violence, performed at the amphitheater, by local students and community members. Law enforcement officers will shed light on their efforts to end the violence and personal stories will be shared. This awareness event is bound to engage the audience and give people a better understanding of domestic and dating violence, by supporting those hurt, honoring the survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
Maliseet event slated
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Program will hold its 16th anniversary of the Maliseet Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center on Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. at the Maliseet Gymnasium on the Foxcroft Road.
According to Susie Fink, program director for the HBMI Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center, a presentation will be held in the gymnasium, with featured speakers, drumming and singing, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony. A short, candle-light walk will follow on the reservation, culminating at the HBMI’s Health Center where a tree-lighting event will take place.
Refreshments will then be served back at the gymnasium.
Supporters can also wear a purple feather pin with the words “honor, respect, protect” imprinted are available at all HBMI offices and the Houlton Outreach Center.
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month please call 532-3000 or call the 24-hour hotline at 532-6401.
