HOULTON, Maine — Domestic and sexual violence 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 the tribe’s 20th annual candlelight vigil Oct. 4 to raise awareness for the cause.
A small gathering turned out for this year’s vigil, which featured ceremonial tribal drumming from the Miqwapon Drummers, lighting of candles in memory or honor of victims, and the lighting of a ceremonial tree outside the HBMI gymnasium, followed by a meal.
“As we gather to show our dedication to ending domestic violence, we should recognize that change needs to come from within … within our families and our community,” Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis said. “Abuse is a learned behavior, and we can make a change by role modeling and mentoring our children, and grandchildren to secure a future free from violence.”
Throughout her remarks, Sabattis stressed the theme for the evening of “Unity in the Community.”
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- Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis speaks to the audience Oct. 4 at the tribe’s 20th annual candlelight vigil ceremony to raise awareness against domestic and sexual violence. (Joseph Cyr)
“In our community, we have many celebrations throughout the year, but tonight is a different type of celebration,” she said. “Tonight we are here not only in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but to remember the victims of domestic violence, and to celebrate the strength and courage of those who are survivors.”
Jessica Huff, program director/advocate for the Maliseet Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center, noted that domestic violence is a “major crisis” in Native American communities.
“According to a recent study from the National Institute of Justice, some 84 percent of American Indian and Alaskan Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and more than half have endured this violence at the hands of an intimate partner, ” Huff said. “These numbers are astonishing and devastating. More work needs to be done to ensure that these survivors have access to safe resources, since many tribal communities are very rural. We are lucky that we have an advocacy center, but many do not have a center in their community.”
The Maliseet center has provided services to 67 native and non-native men and women since January.
Jorge Alvarado and his daughter Valentina light a candle during a domestic violence vigil held at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians’ gymnasium Oct. 4.
(Joseph Cyr)
The Maliseet program offers unconditional/confidential support; crisis intervention; safety planning; emergency shelter and related assistance; a 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.
