Don’t stay silent.

Don’t stay silent. In Maine, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men has experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and each year 1 in 15 children live in homes in which one of the parents (or the parent’s partner) abuses the other adult, 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to the violence. At Partners for Peace, we are dedicated to diminishing these statistics by offering support and information about resources to help end domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence don’t be afraid to speak up, you can call our 24-hour confidential helpline at 1-800-863-9909. We are always here to help! We also have advocates available to meet and assist you with Domestic Violence related court work and court accompaniment. Partners for Peace is honored to be a member of Thrive Penobscot, working alongside other community groups to provide vital services to people of Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties.

Partners for Peace was established on October 1, 2013, from a collaborative merger of Spruce Run and Womancare. Since then, we have grown to an agency with a paid staff of over 20 and comprehensive services including prevention and training programs, consultations, and collaboration opportunities that foster fear-free and healthy relationships, families, and communities for people affected by abuse. All of our services are free and designed to help each individual think through and understand their options, make informed decisions, achieve and maintain safety, autonomy, and self-sufficiency. Every year, Partners for Peace supports over 1,700 victims and survivors of domestic violence in the region.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from a “Day of Unity” in October 1981 observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed and the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was created. By 1989 the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

This October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Partners for Peace will be hosting several events throughout the month! All Domestic Violence Awareness Month events are free to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged at partnersforpeaceme.org. We hope you join us!

• Saturday, October 5th from 11:00am-1:30pm (End Domestic Violence Days) Bangor –  An awareness walk through downtown in honor of survivors and in remembrance of those who were killed as a result of domestic violence and opportunities to engage with a number of greater Bangor area service providers.
• Wednesday, October 23rd from 2:00-5:00pm – Awareness event at the Millinocket Bandstand. There will be a display of the Clothesline Project:  http://clotheslineproject.info/ (a local collection of shirts), there will also be other materials as well as warm drinks and snacks!
• Thursday, October 24th from 5:00-7:00pm (End Domestic Violence Days) Lincoln – Including a candle-lit awareness walk, the Clothesline Project display http://clotheslineproject.info/, and victim/survivor speakers.

Partners for Peace will also be setting up informational booths throughout the month at medical offices, organizing presentations and training for healthcare providers to highlight the importance of screening for domestic violence in the healthcare setting and the resources that exist for patients. For more information about how your healthcare practice can get involved, please contact Casey Faulkingham at cfaulkingham@partnersforpeaceme.org.