Working (from home) to end domestic violence
Dear friends, neighbors, and community partners, we continue to pay close attention to the rapidly evolving circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the recommendations associated with minimizing the risk of spreading the virus and the effects on survivors of domestic violence. Out of concern for the health and well-being of Partners for Peace staff, volunteers and the survivors and community members we serve, all Partners for Peace in-person services will continue to be “on pause” at least until June 1 or until further notice. Our 24-hour helpline will remain open and available to anyone affected by abuse or violence, including community partners, at 1-800-863-9909.
Even though our offices are closed and our in-person services are on pause, our daily work with survivors continues. In the midst of everything going, with the use of technology, our advocates have helped survivors: file protection orders, navigate the criminal justice system, find safe housing and connect with critical resources. Last week, one of our advocates (from a socially safe distance) had the honor of seeing a family receive the keys to their new apartment after months of living in our shelter.
Our staff and volunteers have proven to be creative, innovative and resilient human beings who are doing their absolute best to meet the needs of survivors while balancing their lives at home. Many of our staff are parenting and teaching their children, caring for others in their homes, and going to school online on top of everything they do for Partners for Peace. We are in awe of their dedication to the movement to end domestic violence.
We will continue to use the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and the State of Maine. In the coming weeks, our leadership will be exploring options and developing plans for a phased process for re-opening our offices and in-person services. We will communicate any updates and change of plans on our website home page and Facebook page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the facilitative director at 207-825-3117 or acost@partnersforpeaceme.org.
Amanda Cost is the facilitative director for Partners for Peace.